Why is it important to have a code of conduct

Security and Ethical Issues
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Abstract
In the current era of technology, businesses need to take serious considerations on how technology may be used to violate other people’s privacy, how it can be abused for personal gain or how automation may lead to job reductions. In other words, issues of privacy and intellectual property and security are increasingly considered as issues of ethics as well as good citizenship. Such considerations call for the need for codes of ethics to guide both the management and subordinates daily decision making and empower them to handle ethical dilemmas they encounter in day-to-day activities. Much has been discussed on the impact of technology, including its misuse on moral aspects. It is the same reason why even privately-held companies are creating codes of conduct and ethics as part of their control environment. A code of conduct or ethics clarifies the values and principles of an organization, linking them with the standards of professional conducts. The paper will discuss why it’s important to have a code of conduct.
“Why is it important to have a code of conduct?”
A code of conduct, whether written or communicated informally defines behavior expectations for employees as well as management. Such codes provide employees with ethical and legal standards which influence their performance as well as their commitment to the organization’s system of internal control. It is a central reference and guide, for employees to support daily decision making, empowering them to handle ethical dilemmas they encounter in day-to-day activities (De George, 2000).

For instance, Nestlé’s has a code of ethics that is governed by honesty, integrity, full compliance with applicable laws and fair dealing. The nature of this code is designed to help handle possible situations which may occur. It is also designed as a reference for seeking guidance when employees are in doubt of the best course of action in a particular situation. Coca-Cola is another example that has a code of ethics which is acting with “Integrity around the Globe.” The code of ethics guides the actions of employees and ensures that they are consistent with the company’s values. The code helps employees do the right thing and also play by the rules.
Based on the weekly article readings from Brooks (2010), De George (2000), and Mingers & Walsham (2010), ethics is essential in the information system since there are substantial ethical issues that surround information technology and computing in the contemporary world. Codes of ethics are important in information systems because technologies have also posed certain complex ethical issues (Mingers & Walsham, 2010). A typical challenge in information system ethics arises since there is a policy vacuum about the way computer technology should be used (Brooks, 2010).
As a manager, I will ensure that my conduct and the conduct of my employees as it pertains to the use of data, information, and information systems aligns with the ethical standards of the organization and the applicable regulations that must be followed. The first step is to understand and then practice ethical behavior to set an example of appropriate behaviors for employees and to reduce ambiguity that normally arises in the practice of ethics. The next step involves setting expectations and highlighting all ethically unsound practices that are not accepted.
Reference
Brooks, R. (2010). The Development Of A Code Of Ethics: An Online Classroom Approach To Making Connections Between Ethical Foundations And The Challenges Presented By Information Technology. American Journal Of Business Education (AJBE), 3(10). doi: 10.19030/ajbe.v3i10.483
De George, R. (2000). A History of Business Ethics.
Mingers, J., & Walsham, G. (2010). Toward Ethical Information Systems: The Contribution of Discourse Ethics. MIS Quarterly, 34(4), 833. doi: 10.2307/25750707