Compare and contrast between the code of ethics and code of conduct.
Code of Ethics: It is a set of guidelines containing core ethical values, principles and ideals of the organization. It gives a general idea of what types of behavior and decisions are acceptable and encouraged at a business or organization.
- For example, adhering to a code of ethics in a Public Office ensures that the public receives what it needs in a fair manner.
Code of Conduct: specifies the standards of integrity and conduct to be observed by public officials, to help them meet those standards and to inform the public of the conduct it is entitled to expect of public officials.
- For example, The public official should never take undue advantage of his or her position for his or her private interest.
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Code of Ethics
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Code of Conduct
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It is general and broad in nature.
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It is specific and narrow in range.
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It governs decision making.
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It governs actions.
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It is focused on values and principles.
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It is focused on compliance and rules etc
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It is publicly available and addressed to anyone with an interest in an institution''s activities.
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It is generally addressed to and intended for employees alone.
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They are wide-ranging and non-specific, enable employees to make independent judgments about the most appropriate course of action.
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They generally require little judgment; One has to obey or incur a penalty, and the code provides a fairly clear set of expectations about which actions are required, acceptable or prohibited.
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Similarities
- Both are similar as they are used in an attempt to encourage specific forms of behaviour by employees.
- Code of Conduct originates from the code of ethics, and it converts the rules into specific guidelines that must be followed by the members of the organization.
- Both can serve as a guide to handle situations like avoiding conflict of interest, protecting the organization''s assets, anti-bribery and corruption and improving work culture ethics.
Hence, there is a significant overlap between the two codes.
Summing up
- There is a need to set up appropriate institutional mechanismsto promote and enforce the values and code of conduct and to evaluate the extent to which they are incorporated and upheld throughout any organization.
- The Code of conduct for civil servants does not have a statement of valueswhich should guide the civil servants in the discharge of their duties. There is an urgent need that a Code of Ethics be drawn up for civil servants incorporating the core values of integrity, merit and excellence in public service as recommended by Hota Committee report 2004.
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