Many codes fail because they suffer an identity crisis. It is not clear for whom they are intended or what their purpose is. They are often not designed with their reader in mind nor the context in which they are intended to be used.
The following should be considered in drawing up a format for a code of ethics:
- Purpose and target audience - the style of the document should be influenced by its purpose. Above all, it should be helpful to employees.
- Accessibility - the language must be comprehensible and familiar to the target audience. Hard and soft copies should be available and accessible where they are likely to be needed. Use of 'non-legalese' language and Q&As are also important.
- Relevance - it needs to recognise issues relevant to staff and be material to the business's activities and locations
- Leadership and reach - it needs to convey the commitment of the board and that ethical standards are applicable to all staff
- Compliance or discursive - a code will normally contain "must do's", aspirations and dilemmas aimed to raise ethical sensitivity and confidence of staff. It is important to point out that what is right and wrong will not always be clear. Some short dilemmas should be included to illustrate the guidance provided.
Retrieved from Institute of Business Ethics (http://www.ibe.org.uk/codes_format.htm)
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