Keys to an Effective Code of Conduct 2 CPE

A code of conduct is a vital organizational document. Breaches of ethics can land companies in serious trouble with consumers, other organizations or government authorities. Creating a code of conduct makes decision making easier at all levels of an organization. It reduces ambiguity and considerations of individual perspectives in ethical standards.

Code of conduct examples are easily found by searching the web. They extend from organization codes to professional codes. The biggest mistake any corporation can make is to replicate someone else’s code. These are the exact reasons we spent time going over the History of Ethics and the Psychology Behind Ethics.

A strong code of conduct must be established with the specific organization or profession in mind. Enron’s code of conduct is often touted as a strongly written code. How much good did it do them?

This course focuses on important concepts professionals should know and understand about codes of conduct.

Prerequisites

No Advanced Preparation or Prerequisites are needed for this course, but completion of the instructor's other courses on ethics may be helpful.

Learning Objective

• Explore reasons behind establishing a code of conduct.
• Identify important concepts for adequate codes.
• Recognize the benefits of codes of conduct.
• Explore model codes and examine how they link to ethical theories.
• Identify important code components.
• Identify how to develop your code.
• Explore how to personalize your code.

Last updated/reviewed: July 16, 2025