A code of ethics is a company’s constitutional charter: it sets out rights and obligations and lays down the ethical and social responsibility of every single member of a business organisation.
Code of Ethics (.pdf)
A code of ethics is an effective tool for businesses to prevent irresponsible or unlawful conduct on the part of anyone acting on their behalf. The code sets out a clear and explicit definition of the ethical and social responsibilities of its executives, managers, employees and frequently also of its suppliers, towards various stakeholder groups. A code of ethics clarifies, for all members of a business organisation and for its external stakeholders, the key criteria that drive the organisation’s choices: from strategic decision-making to the operational choices required in conducting the company’s daily business.