Evaluating the Code of Ethics of an Organization

Evaluating the Code of Ethics

Read Pollock (2017) pages 128-139.

Evaluate the Code of Ethics of the Police Department you found by looking at the code and making a statement about how the code accomplishes the objectives below. The suggestions in blue should be used to help guide you on how to write your answer. For example, in question 1, first decide, based on the code of ethics you selected, whether the code meets the higher standard or not. If it meets the standard, you can use the words in blue to help structure your answer, but then you must provide an example from the code that supports your statement. The information in blue provides an example of what you should write. Your statement must be based on the code of ethics you selected in Assignment #1. You must complete Assignment #1 to complete this assignment. [Assignment #1 is still open.]

 

1. Determine if the company’s code of ethics gives an impression that the firm strives to meet a higher moral standard or whether it simply serves to accomplish the bare minimum ethical requirements. [ This code strives to meet a higher moral standard because… – then state your reasons – Example – it provides an overview of the reasons for the code and clearly states the values that underlie the code provisions when it says…]

2. Review the full code of ethics to determine if the document is clearly written and well-organized. See if the document flows or is difficult to read. Decide if the verbiage makes sense, and keep your eye out for contradictions or inconsistencies. Look for clear, everyday language that people at every level of the company can understand easily. [ This code is clearly written and uses a common language that everyone can understand. Examples of this clear language include… then give your examples. If it is not well written, then give examples of why it is not.]

3. Check to see if the code of ethics contains a letter from the corporate leadership and an introduction. Determine if the letter and introduction provide direction about how the company should use the code of ethics and a commitment that the business leadership intends to apply to the ethics rules. [ There is no introduction in the code of ethics, and it seems to be something that the department does not emphasize because…… then tell your reasons ] If there is a good introduction, provide examples of leadership commitment to ethical rules.

4. Look for clear guidance within the sections of the code of ethics to determine to whom the code will apply, and how the company will measure the behavior the code governs. Look also for accountability and reporting protocols for infractions against the code. [The code has a clear statement about who is responsible for keeping the code, and it prescribes the punishment for not keeping the code. For example…. then provide an example of what parts of the code detail responsibility and outline punishment for violating the code].

 

5. Review the code for procedures that specific individuals and job categories should follow. The exact way an employee should handle a situation must be read clearly so that no one can misinterpret its meaning. [For example – The code separates the sections for police officers and police supervisors or other management so that all categories of employees know what they are responsible for.]

 

6. Decide if the code of ethics is clear. The general purpose of a code of ethics is to establish standards or values for an organization. It has to walk a fine line between recommending a general set of principles and avoiding recommending a specific set of values. Consequently, there is a risk of ambiguity. [The code is careful to recommend a set of principles but not recommend a specific set of values. An example of this is … then provides an example ]

7. Determine if it is revisable or not. The code of ethics must have a way of evaluating and critiquing itself. In practice, this means there must be a group that has the power and authority to undertake this task. This may involve various segments that represent different aspects and interests of the profession. [The code of ethics clearly states that it is revisable, and the code includes the date it was last revised… then you can provide the page number and the sentence that says it’s revisable ]