THE CORPORATE ETHICS TEST

A total of 264 North American companies responded to a survey concerning corporate ethics codes and programs. The results indicate that, in many organizations, ethics codes and programs have moved beyond the initial phase of executive sponsorship and are now part of regular departmental reponsibilities, particularly in human resources and legal departments. The increased interest and involvement of senior executives is largely due to greater emphasis in 4 areas: 1. global management issues, 2. total quality management, 3. workforce diversity, and 4. inadequate education and training. The 1991 survey findings show that elements of the employment contract, such as workplace safety and employee honesty, are the specific subjects most often discussed in ethics codes. Companies are also recognizing that they need to sponsor programs that help employees develop a sensitivity to and awareness of ethical issues.