Transparency in business conduct is a challenge that requires alignment from the executive all the way to casual staff. A blueprint for conduct alignment that is worth sharing follows.
- Take the time to develop a business code of conduct and ethics. Ensure you have input from all levels of the organization when developing the code.
- Orientation for all employees from the CEO / President to the part time casual staff is mandatory.
- Ensure employees understand and appreciate that decisions they make and activities they engage in reflect the principles in the code of conduct.
- Encourage employees to refer to the code when faced with a decision or challenge.
- Provide a safe and confidential method for employees to voice concerns or areas that may need to be reviewed.
- Engage a random selection of employees from different divisions or departments to review the code of conduct every 2 – 3 years. Incorporate recommended changes to the code and have all employees re-oriented to the differences.
Transparency is present at every level as is the level of engagement. Employees typically buy in and those who do not leave to pursue other opportunities.
Marie-Helene Sakowski – Business Consultant Change & Transition – info@effectiveplacement.com
