Reference no: EM132252612

Assignment: Portfolio Project Assignment: Creation and Evaluation of Code of Ethics

Part I. Code of Ethics and Reflection Paper

The Portfolio Project for this course is comprised of two parts. You must complete both Part I and Part II.

Ethics and social responsibility affect every business manager. Imagine you are hired as a human resources manager and the company does not have a code of ethics. Your first duty in your new position as HR manager is to develop a code of ethics.

Address the following in drafting your code of ethics:

Write for your industry. If you are not currently involved in any industry, choose a hypothetical industry.

Consider various types of ethics: moral, personal, societal, business and professional. Your code does not have to address all, but it certainly may.

Include a mission statement to set forth the purpose of your code clearly.

Be clear regarding how your code of ethics is to be followed. It is not enough that your policies are stated; what must the employee do to follow them?

What is the mechanism for reporting ethical violations?

What is the consequence for violating the code?

Address various areas of employment law covered in this course as they relate to the ethical conduct of the employee. These areas may include:

• discrimination

• harassment

• employee privacy

• collective bargaining

• cyberlaw issues

• criminal behavior of the employee during the scope of employment

• crimes committed by employee outside the scope of employment (i.e., not "on the job")

• conflicts of interest

• intellectual property

• compliance with work policies generally

• confidentiality

• product or service integrity

• health and safety

• money handling

• corporate veil protection, or lack thereof

• effect of any agency relationship

• contract negotiations

• tortious conduct generally

• any other employee rights

This list is not exhaustive, nor must you address everything on the list. These are some examples of topics you as a human resources manager must anticipate in drafting a code of ethics.

Be sure to address ethical conduct as it relates to employees' interactions with one another and with the company as well as employee interactions as they affect society generally (e.g., customers, environment, international effects).

Include a brief conclusion.

Some companies have a code of ethics that is only one page long. However, it is recommended that you anticipate any legal issues that may arise and this can require a lengthier code of ethics. As such, your well-written code of ethics should be 8 pages long and formatted according to the APA format.

Part II. Analysis and Evaluation: Implementation of the Code of Ethics and Maintaining Ongoing Ethical Conduct

In Part II of the Portfolio Project, you will analyze and evaluate the effects of your code. In your well-written assessment, identify and discuss the theory of corporate social responsibility demonstrated in your code. Also discuss how putting this code in place will affect your company. What problems may be associated with implementing the code of ethics? What do you as human resources manager need to anticipate regarding implementation problems?

Reflect also on the impact beyond your company. How will this code of ethics affect the business world generally? What effects, if any, will it have on society and the international legal environment?

Furthermore, what will you do as HR manager to ensure the code is complied with consistently? Said differently, it is not enough on the part of the HR manager to secure signed codes. What are some problems with implementing a code of ethics? What can and will you do to remind the employees of the required ethical conduct in your business? What exceptions will you make, if any, for violations of the code?

Your Part II paper should be 6 pages long and formatted according to the APA format. Cite a minimum of 6 sources in addressing the problems associated with implementation of the code and maintaining compliance with the code.

You should submit Part I and Part II as one document.

Week 4 Deliverable

A draft of your code of ethics will be due in Week 4. Submit your bibliography of resources as well as an outline to your instructor for review. Be sure to touch base with your instructor early in the week if you have any questions or concerns about this assignment.

NOTE: Although you will not earn points in Week 4 for this deliverable, it is a required component of the Portfolio Project, and you will lose points on your final project grade if you fail to submit this assignment as required by the end of Week 4. See the Portfolio Project grading rubric on the Course Information page for details.

Text used in class: Kubasek, N.K., Brennan, B. A., & Browne, M.N. (2015). The legal environment of business: A critical thinking approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc. ISBN-13: 9780133546422; E-book: ISBN-13: 9780133546521