Building Ethical
Organizations
Scope
1. What does it mean
2. Different forms of Organization
3. Earlier Research
4. Essentials for Building Ethical Organization
5. Model For Building Ethical Organization
6. Toughest Challenge
Choice
Integrity should be the Litmus Test for Managerial
Character.
-Peter Drucker
Ethical Organization is the one that discharges its duties
towards its shareholders, obeys Laws of Land and is
‘Ethical’.
Often the choice for a manager is between right and right
or wrong and wrong…
Organizational Ethics
Organizational ethics are the principals and standards by
which businesses operate, according to Reference for
Business. They are best demonstrated through acts of
fairness, compassion, integrity, honor and responsibility.
Ethics concern an individual's moral judgement about
right and wrong. Decisions taken within an organization
may be made by individuals or groups, but whoever
makes them will be influenced by the culture of the
company.
Forms of Organizations
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership
Limited Companies
– Private
– Public
LLPs
Section 25 Companies
What is a Corporation?
Nexus of legal contracts
“Artificial Persona”
Articles of Association
“Going Concern”
Agency Theory
Berle & Means (1932)
“Modern Corporation & Private Property”
Divorce of Ownership (principals) &
Management (Agents)
Mechanism to ensure that management acts
in the best interest of the owners
Tom Cannon’s Views
Society / State / Law gives to businesses
two special privileges
– Potential Immortality
– Limited Liability
_______________________________
In return, business needs to be socially
responsible & ethical
Code of Conduct
A written document that outlines co’s values &
principles
Publicly state to all stakeholders the way you intend to
do business
Made mandatory by Surbanes-Oxley Act in US &
Clause 49 of Listing agreement in India
A code of ethics, also known as a code of conduct, clarifies
“an organization's mission, values, and principles, linking them
with standards of professional conduct.”
A code of conduct serves as a reference for managers and employees
when making decisions at work.
A Model Code
Honesty & integrity
Conflict of interest
Compliance
Confidentiality of information
Insider trading
Gifts & donations
How to make it succeed
Must emanate from the top
Transparently communicated
Disciplinary action, if violated
Periodically reviewed
Whistle Blower Policy
Voluntary release of non- public
information, by a member of the
organisation, outside the normal channels
of communications of an illegal or immoral
act
Model for Building Ethical Orgnization
Structure and Systems
Incentives, Rewards & Ethical Organizations
Punishments
Creation of
Supporting Culture
Defining Ethical Standards
Role of Leadership Monitoring for Compliance
Institutionalizing Values
Being Ethical, IIM Ahmedabad Business Books, Prof S. Manikutty
Jack Welch –
Types of Managers
High
4 3
Performance
1 2
Low
Values High