Understanding the Code of Conduct Policy
High-profile scandals involving large public companies have revealed corporate climates built on greed and manipulation instead of integrity and trust. Legal reform now requires companies to disclose their fundamental business values. Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and standards set by the Securities and Exchange Commission some organizations are legally required to have a code of conduct, and many more choose to. This is because a well-implement code of conduct can help build a positive, productive culture, and contribute to a company’s competitive advantage, reputation, and performance. This course explains to employees why your organization’s code of conduct is important and some general information that most of these policies include.
- Purpose of the code of conduct and why it is important
- Legal duties under Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Securities and Exchange Commission standards
- Conflicts of interest and how to avoid them
- Appropriate practices for gifts and hospitality in business
- Using company resources appropriately
- Safeguarding confidential information and customer data
- Reporting code of conduct violations
- Whistleblower protections
