Ethics and Compliance Culture
- Cultural Audits
- Training Compliance & Audit on cultural and behavioral dynamics & auditing
- Compliance and Ethics change programs
Step 1: Design & implement 7 Base Elements
- Detailed guidance on key components of the Code of Ethics including the use of an anonymous reporting hotline.
- Periodic surveys of employees to understand perceptions on the organization’s ethical climate.
- Review of disciplinary action in response to ethical violations takes place by an independent party to ensure consistency.
- Openly praising employees for demonstrating ethical conduct.
- Regular communication on the importance of the code of ethics and reporting on the ethics program in the company’s annual report.
- Investigations are conducted by experts in accordance with a defined investigation protocol.
- Ethics related metrics are included as part of an employee’s performance goals.
Creating programs and audits to validate key elements:
- Tone at the top – commitment of the board and top management to ethics.
- Ethical principles – how well these are adhered to by all levels of the organization, including stakeholders and suppliers.
- Risk management – recognition of the need for risk management and effective implementation of risk management throughout the organization.
- Information – availability of information relating to ethical conduct such as a documented ethical program, awareness activities, and breaches of ethical guidelines.
- Sharing – active sharing of information relating to the ethical program and its results.
- Alignment – risk management alignment with the organization’s ethical culture.