How to Develop a Code of Ethics for an Organization

All organizations, no matter how small, need a set code of ethics. A code of ethics is a guideline that helps members to handle ethical dilemmas. An organized and well-planned code of ethics builds trust, informs members about important issues, guides decision-making, and advises employees on reporting misconduct and how to seek advice.

• 1

  Compile information and ideas for the code of ethics. Concentrate on the organization and your desired code. Review your organization's mission statement, policies or statement of values as you compile information.

• 2

  Make a list of your organization's aspirations and a basic set of rules for members. Most codes of ethics have these two sections.

• 3

  Hold a meeting of all your organization's influential people, the managers, office holders and decision-makers. If there is a board of directors, verify they agree to create a code. Review the information you complied and brainstorm about needed rules, how often the code should be reviewed, how the code will be implemented and the steps required when the code is broken.

• 4

  Create a formal version of the code. A formal code of ethics must have a title, table of contents, details about each rule, who to contact with questions or to report a violation, and the effective date.

• 5

  Invite all the people from the first meeting and the board of directors to another meeting, and present the tentative version of the code. Review the code, page by page, and make revisions as necessary.

• 6

  Make all changes suggested in the meeting and present the code of ethics for approval by the major decision-makers or board of directors.

• 7

  Print and hand out copies of the code of ethics to all organization members. A copy should also be presented to all new hires. Some organizations post the code on their website so that customers, contributors and others can view the code.

• 8

  Review and revise the code at regular intervals. Most organizations review the code of ethics every five years. Update the code using addendums in between reviews for specific situations.