Work Ethics

Imagine a world where everyone lived by the same code of ethics. We would all believe the same things were right and wrong; we’d all have the same hard-working gumption; we’d all trust each other implicitly, and we’d never have to reprimand others for their behaviour.

About the Course

This course discusses the importance of having a workplace code of ethics—a code of conduct that is expected and required of all employees. Participants will have the chance to evaluate their own ethical beliefs and discuss how to take a more ethical approach back at the workplace.

Course Outline

Module 1: Define ethics and ethical behaviour

• Create your definition of ethics
• Spot the behaviours of ethical and unethical people
• Working by an ethical code is like playing golf
• Learn 10 benefits of maintaining an ethical code of conduct
• What is the cost of NOT living by an ethical code?
• Unethical behaviour and its potentially negative effects
• Goal setting and ethics: When do you know you have reached your targets?

Module 2: Maintain and support good ethics

• Techniques for building trust and mutual respect
• Create an environment of openness and transparency
• Credibility busters to avoid and ways to boost your credibility
• Identify your core values
• Create and align your mission statement with your company’s, Learn how ethics lead to effective decision making
• Use what-if scenarios to work through real-world dilemmas
• Ask questions when faced with a difficult person

Module 3: Understanding and following a code of conduct

• Overview of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
• Company-level controls under SOX
• Create a fair and equitable workplace
• Examples of confliicts of interest and how to evaluate one
• What you should do if you are in, or headed for, a conflict of interest
• Cyberslacking: What it is and why organizations should be concerned
• What you can do about cyberslacking

Module 4: Ensuring compliance

• Examine your corporate culture and learn how to make ethics a priority
• Create an infrastructure to support ethical behavior
• Communicate your ethics policy and identify where your policies fall short
• Confront a co-worker who commits an ethical breach
• Know your rights as a whistleblower and the correct process to follow
• Avoid the slippery slope of ethics violations—little things mean a lot
• Say “no” the first time: Be a person of values who won’t be corrupted
• Take responsibility for your actions: Make personal accountability your key to compliance