Ethics, Compliance Auditing, and Emerging Issues

INTERNAL MEMO

TO: John Doe CEO
FROM: Glen Leonard
RE: Ethics Program / Training /Compliance Auditing
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DATE: February 22, 2016

This memo serves as notice that we will soon initiate efforts to develop and implement an ethics program as well as the appropriate training and an effective way to monitor those plans. As you are aware, consumers and partners want to work with companies they can trust, and having a program that will build management skills and effectively structure business controls is a great way to become transparent and build that trust. Overall, an effective ethics and compliance …show more content…
Trevino and Nelson assert that an organization’s awareness and concern about personal ethics became heightened due to the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s revision of its guidelines requiring added focus on ethical culture in an organization ( 1995, p. 155). Understanding the ethical decision-making process can aid in creating policies to prevent unethical conduct. The culture, management, subordinates and colleagues can significantly impact the process of ethical decision making. Organizations need to create a strong ethical culture and to do this it starts with the leadership. An ethical leader leads by example and can influence or change the current culture by establishing revised visions and values or making essential policy decisions.

Creating an Ethics Program
Code of Conduct
The code of ethics will cover the expectations of behavior for all employees, e.g. understanding the code of ethics, policies and procedures and applicable laws that govern behavior in the workplace. While the company codes cover a variety of situations it is impossible to cover every situation and in such case employees should ask for guidance in times of uncertainty. The company should then distribute the code of conduct for employment review and require a confirmation of receipt. Management should exhibit appropriate conduct at all times. They should also ensure subordinates understand their responsibilities as it relates to the company