Programs: Standards

Defining Ethical Standards

Some organizations identify standards as the level of compliance. But compliance with the law is the lowest possible foundation of ethical behavior. While today the word standards is often used to indicate a minimum effort, the origins of the word imply something very different.

Standards, or banners, were used to call groups to their leaders. A standard was the physical symbol defining the principles and beliefs of the group. Members of the group would strive to reach the standard that had been defined by the leader.

The New Mexico Ethics Alliance defines standards as reaching above a minimum and toward a higher level of behavior based on ethical principles, such as honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, etc.

 

Developing and Maintaining Standards

Basing standards on ethical principles is an important aspect of creating an ethical organizational culture.  To set the standards, organizations must be aware of changes in the law and in their workplaces.  They must diligently maintain and update the standards so they are relevant to all people in the organization.  Below are some steps leaders should consider when adopting and setting standards:

  • Create and maintain compliance and ethics policies and procedures
  • Include and consult with appropriate subject matter resources (e.g. Human resources, finance, legal)
  • Be consistent with the organizations mission, vision, values, and the code of conduct
  • Develop and maintain a ethics strategic plan
  • Adopt a record retention policy
  • Maintain the following policies, where appropriate
    • A code of conduct
    • A non-retaliation policy
    • A conflict of interest policy (e.g. gifts, gratuities, outside business ventures, hiring practices)
    • Confidentiality policies (e.g. trade secrets, third party information, intellectual property)
    • Privacy policies
    • Policies and procedures that address legal and regulatory requirements
    • Third party interaction policies (e.g. vendors, business partners, competitiors, government official)
    • Policies and procedures appropriate to specifically identified risk areas
    • Governance policies
  • Develop internal controls aimed at preventing unethical and undesired behavior
  • Ensure that compliance and ethics standards are include in contracts with third parties (e.g. vendors, business partners, agents)