Following the corporate scandals that rocked the business world in the past fift
ID: 385472 • Letter: F
Question
Following the corporate scandals that rocked the business world in the past fifteen years, many companies have adopted corporate ethics policies in an effort to change the culture of their corporation or to set standards for their suppliers, in an attempt to ensure compliance with the fiduciary duties and legal responsibilities the employees have to the shareholders of the company. Keep in mind that this assignment is worth 5 extra credit points.Your answer requires a minimum of one full page. Your response to each question requires a minimum of one full paragraph.
Review the ethics code or policy of ONE of the companies listed below and answer all of the following questions:
1) What are the key attributes of the policy? What ideals or key values is the company trying to accomplish?
2) Does the policy go far enough in attempting to foster a culture of ethics in that workplace? Explain your answer.
3) Does the policy state how the company plans to enforce their Code of Ethics? If not, what assumptions do you make as an employee, about the consequences of your behavior if you do not comply?
4) If you were part of the management team what two new topics or issues would you recommend as additions to the ethics policy?
PNC Bank
or
Apple
Explanation / Answer
1. The policy followed in the code of ethics of Apple is Anti-discrimination. Apple does not discriminate against its employees or suppliers on the basis of age, gender, sex, race, colour, ethnicity, religion, political influence, disability etc. It treats all its employees equal for all corporate practices like remuneration, rewards, promotions, allocating assignments, access to trainings, incentives, benefits or termination. Causes like the pregnancy of women cannot allow anyone to use it against the rights of women in the workplace. Similarly, any medical tests of employees that can create any discrimination environment are illegal to be taken unless it is required for the workplace safety as per applicable laws. By implementing this policy the company is trying to accomplish the atmosphere of equality and encouraging talents of diverse demographics to join the company and contribute to the company growth.
2. The policy attempts to spread a culture of equality and anti-discrimination codes. It encourages a diverse culture and allows a peaceful and just atmosphere to prevail in the work environment. It covers all issues that can arise with respect to discrimination in the employment basis or the payment basis. This policy will keep the ethical culture justified in terms of the employment of skilled and talented people of all gender, age, race, region, colour etc and will keep an equal aspect of payment basis for all of them. This will ensure the employees that no injustice will be done to them and they will work with more dedication and motivation. The employee turnover will be less and company growth will be fast.
3. Apple enforces to follow the code of ethics by all employees and suppliers after understanding and implementing them thoroughly. Any retaliation or failure in following the same can give the company rights to take a legal action against the individual. Applying the conduct policies and complying with the laws and regulations is a responsibility at Apple. The Business Conduct helpline helps the employees and suppliers to understand the ethical code and follow it. It is a service available 24/7 and guides anyone and solves queries regarding policies, conduct, regulations followed in the company. If the policy is not followed then the company can take any strict action against the employee from salary deductions to termination.
4. If I were in the management I would suggest issues that will be regarding the safe working conditions for all workers as was complained about in the China factory, and the business practices to be more environment-friendly. The workers in the factory in China were forced to work in difficult situations for longer durations and paid less for their jobs. Even the working conditions there were harsh and unsafe. This is an issue that Apple will have to look into for a strong ethical environment to be followed in the company. Also, their products seem not to be eco-friendly which needs a change and hence policies should be formed for the manufacturing of products that are environmentally acceptable.