What is the value of having a Code of Conduct? I have heard many business folks ask that question over the years. In its early days, a Code of Conduct tended to be a lawyer-written and lawyer-driven document to wave in regulator’s face during an enforcement action by using it to claim, “we are an ethical company”. Is such a legalistic code effective? Is a Code of Conduct more than simply your company’s law? What is it that makes a Code of Conduct effective? What should be the goal in the creation of your company’s Code of See more +

What is the value of having a Code of Conduct? I have heard many business folks ask that question over the years. In its early days, a Code of Conduct tended to be a lawyer-written and lawyer-driven document to wave in regulator’s face during an enforcement action by using it to claim, “we are an ethical company”. Is such a legalistic code effective? Is a Code of Conduct more than simply your company’s law? What is it that makes a Code of Conduct effective? What should be the goal in the creation of your company’s Code of Conduct?

Three key takeaways:

1. Every formulation of a best practices compliance program starts with a written Code of Conduct.

2. The substance of your Code of Conduct should be tailored to the company’s culture, and to its industry and corporate identity

3. “Document, Document, Document” your training and communication efforts around your Code of Conduct. See less -