What role do written ethics codes play in a business?

Written ethics codes serve as a foundational framework within a business, guiding decision-making and behavior among employees and management. These codes outline the principles and values that govern the actions of individuals within the organization, ensuring that decisions align with the company's ethical standards. By providing clear guidelines, ethics codes help employees navigate complex organizational dilemmas, promoting integrity and accountability.

Having a well-defined ethics code fosters a culture of trust and respect, both internally among staff and externally with customers and stakeholders. It can also enhance an organization’s reputation and help prevent unethical practices by reinforcing expectations for conduct. In this way, ethics codes do more than simply offer advice; they actively shape the ethical climate of the company and support decision-making processes, encouraging individuals to consider the moral implications of their actions.