Activity

USS Biz Trek Activity # 32: A Code of Ethics

Business ethics are the rules or standards you follow for honesty, fairness, and integrity. A code of ethics can be written or unwritten — formal or informal. Ethics are expressed in the way you and your employees normally act in the course of doing business. For example, you may have no written policy for ethics, but if your business advertises honestly, treats customers with respect, and gives extra-large scoops of ice cream, you are operating under an informal code of ethics.

Formal codes are usually put in writing and are often posted for employees and customers to read. Some companies even have their employees sign statements saying they will follow the company’s code of ethics.

Loggin’ On

Pull out your USS Biz Trek log again and start a new page titled "Code of Ethics." Then follow these three steps for creating a code of ethics for your company:

Brainstorm ethical dilemmas that could occur.
Reflect on solutions to these problems.
Write ethics policies or guidelines to cover these situations.

After writing your code of ethics, read it to a friend, parent, teacher, or business mentor. Keep revising your ethics policies until you are completely satisfied. Decide how you will handle any situation where a representative of your company violates the code of ethics.

Finished?

Rocket back to Lesson 9

Rocket forward to Lesson 10