Opening page

Ethics in business

________________

Code of
conduct

Objectives

Understand what constitutes appropriate vs inappropriate conduct in the workplace
Learn the dos and don'ts of workplace behavior
Recognize potential code of conduct violations
Know the penalties for code of conduct violations

Code of Conduct Introduction

A code of conduct establishes guidelines for ethical and professional behavior in the workplace. It outlines the core values and expectations for employees. Having a clear code of conduct is important for maintaining a respectful, compliant, and productive work environment. Companies enforce codes of conduct to protect their culture and avoid legal issues.

Respect in the Workplace

Treat colleagues with courtesy and dignity

Avoid insults, shouting, profanity, or aggressive behavior. Disruptive conduct poisons the work environment.

Do not discriminate

Discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or religion is illegal. Behaviors like offensive jokes,insults, and denying opportunities are unacceptable. Value diversity and accommodate differences.

Let's check that you've got it straight

1. Which action reflects respect in the workplace?

Telling an offensive joke

Greeting coworkers politely

Spreading rumors about a colleague

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Practise makes perfect

2. When is it acceptable to deny an employment opportunity?

Based on seniority

To meet diversity goals

Due to an applicant's age

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Practise makes perfect

Professionalism

Avoid conflicts of interest

Employees must disclose potential conflicts of interest in business dealings. You should not engage in activities that compete with or undermine the company. Decline gifts that may appear to compromise your objectivity.

Protect confidential information

Confidential business information should only be shared with authorized parties. Do not access or share private data without permission. Uphold privacy, especially regarding personnel issues, trade secrets, strategies, and financials.

Let's check that you've got it straight

1. Which situation is a conflict of interest?

Serving on a professional board

Investing in a competitor company

Attending an industry conference

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Practise makes perfect

2. When can confidential information be shared

When anonymity is protected

With approval from leadership

During employee exit interviews

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Compliance & Ethics Violations

Harassment and discrimination

Unwelcome sexual advances, offensive remarks, or bias against protected groups all constitute unlawful harassment. Proactively create an inclusive environment. Report potential incidents immediately.

Substance abuse

Working under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or possessing them in the workplace, violates policy. This endangers yourself and others. Seek help if you have a substance abuse problem.

Let's check that you've got it straight

1. Does this situation represent harassment?A coworker frequently makes inappropriate comments about female employees.

Yes

No

correct answer

Well done

Wrong answer

2. Is having alcohol at work acceptable?

Yes, during office parties

Yes, if consumption is limited

No, it violates the code of conduct

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Penalties

Violating the code of conduct can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Consequences are determined based on factors like the offense severity, employee history, and impact on operations. Ethics breaches that violate laws can also trigger external civil or criminal penalties like lawsuits, fines, or jail time.

Final knowledge check

A manager offered a promotion to an employee in exchange for a romantic relationship. Did an offense occur here?

Yes

No

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Practise makes perfect

An employee spreads rumors about a co-worker's personal life.What should you do?

Report the conduct breach to HR

Confront the person spreading rumors

Privately show support for the impacted co-worker

Publicly shame the person spreading rumors

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Practise makes perfect

An employee discovered a confidential operations plan left at the copy machine. They made copies and shared the document with co-workers.Did an offense occur here?

Yes

No

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Practise makes perfect

A vendor offers you tickets to an expensive sports event. You should:

Accept the gift to build the business relationship

Check if gifts over a certain value are allowed

Decline since it could appear to be a conflict of interest

Ask for tickets for your whole department to attend

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Practise makes perfect

A supervisor instructed their team to focus sales efforts only on male clients because "women are too emotional."Did an offense occur here?

Yes

No

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Practise makes perfect

An employee stopped contributing during meetings after a coworker made repeated jokes about their ethnic background.Did an offense occur here?

Yes

No

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Practise makes perfect

Summary

Upholding a strong code of conduct maintains integrity in the workplace.

Behave ethically and professionally at all times.

Treat people with respect, even during disagreements.

Keep private information confidential.

Avoid conflicts of interest.

Promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

Report any violations or unethical behavior through proper channels.

The code of conduct protects employees and the company, so take it seriously.

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Code of conduct

Code of conduct

Opening page

Objectives

Objectives

Code of Conduct Introduction

Code of Conduct Introduction

Respect in the Workplace

Respect in the Workplace

Professionalism

Professionalism

Compliance & Ethics Violations

Compliance & Ethics Violations

Penalties

Penalties

Final knowledge check

Final knowledge check

Summary

Summary

We are not done yet

Completion of learning

You have successfully completed the Code of conduct You did not pass Code of conduct