Reference no: EM132163758

For this discussion, we will examine organizational code of ethics and conduct. Increasingly, organizations are sharing this information with all their stakeholders, including the public, in an effort to demonstrate their transparency and focus on sustaining ethical business decisions and actions to drive the business forward. However, as OD practitioners and consultants will often discover, these codes of ethics/conduct can sometimes merely be “window dressing”, and behind the scenes there is a different scenario occurring that needs to be addressed in order to facilitate positive change that does not negatively impact any stakeholder groups.

Select any organization (e.g., Nike, Starbucks, Walmart, Ford, McDonalds…to name just a few examples) that has a code of ethics and/or code of conduct accessible from their website. Please review the selections made by your peers prior to posting to avoid overlap of organizations. Review and analyze this information thoroughly, and consider its impact and relevance on a variety of stakeholder groups, such as their workforce, investors, customers, local community, government and regulatory agencies, and so on. As you develop your main post, try to integrate your input around three or more of the questions below, as well as your critique of this information (i.e., is it adequate, should they be doing more, do you believe they walk their talk?).

Is there a statement pertaining to whistleblowing, and is there a contact person/office noted for reporting violations?

Are insider training policies clearly outlined?

Are safety policies and protocol clearly defined?

Are disciplinary actions pertaining to unethical behavior committed by anyone with a relationship to the organization (e.g., employees, vendors, suppliers, contractors) defined?

If a customer has a complaint, is there a protocol or contact information for resolving?

Is there protection/awareness clearly explained for incidents of workplace violence and harassment?

Are expectations for employee conduct clearly defined, and is EEO policy noted, with specific attention to non-discriminatory practices and attention to fairness and diversity?

Are there clear and appropriate guidelines for record-keeping and information sharing?

Is there a policy outlining the safeguarding of intellectual property (IP)?

Are standards for environmental preservation and eco-friendly practices clearly defined and explained?