Business Ethics Assignment 2

Code of Ethics

Rightway Consultants exist for the purpose of guiding nonprofit organizations. Consultants for Rightway must realize that it is a great responsibility to help each organization reach its full potential. Consultants must keep a step of ahead of the clients by knowing the changes and developments regarding nonprofit culture. A Consultant must be aware at all times of the government regulations and procedures that guide Rightway’s mission. A Consultant will keep informed of these procedures at all times. Consultants will share that knowledge to guide clients in the development of the various organizations. Consultants will give good advice.
The following ideas will govern each decision:
Honesty- Consultants will be honest in our dealings with each other and the people served by Rightway. Consultants will fill out reports fully and accurately. Each Consultant will account for every dollar received and will use all resources given in an appropriate and timely manner.
Integrity- Rightway will be wholly invested in the development of the Rightway organization. Consultants realize that even in an individual’s personal life a Consultant is an agent of this organization. Consultants will serve the community every day and in every way possible to advance this organization.
Responsibility – Consultants acknowledge the responsibility to act in a manner that is consistent and reliable. Consultants will respect each other. Consultants will respect the people which are being served. Consultants will respect the authority of the government agencies that guide this organization. Consultants will follow the rules.
Abundance- What Rightway is given is a gift. Rightway will use each donation to the best of its ability. Rightway Consultants will give of time, ideas, and creativity. Consultants will be generous and help everyone who crosses this organization’s door in a manner than brings honor to the organization’s investors. Consultants will be agents of change.
Guidance- Consultants will give guidance that is accurate and appropriate. Consultants will keep informed of all changes and regulations regarding nonprofit organizations and Consultants will share that knowledge openly and honestly.
Passion- Consultants will find a passion and live it out.

Social Media: Each employee of the Rightway organization is expected to use discretion when utilizing the technology currently available. The use of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. has greatly changed how people communicate as a society. Employees must not post any company information that may be sensitive in nature or in violation of our client’s right to privacy. If you aren’t sure don’t post it. Playing it safe is always the best policy when social media is involved.

Office equipment: Employees are provided the tools necessary to complete the job. Please use those tools with discretion and honesty. Personal phone calls must be kept to a minimum. The office computers, copiers and supplies are to be used for company use only. Please don’t take advantage of your position by using office equipment for personal gain.

Sensitive Information: While dealing with client in the nonprofit sector Rightway Consultants may come across company information that is not intended for public knowledge. This may include the amount of a donation and who that donation comes from. Please keep all company information private and within the company itself.

Training:
To insure that each of Rightway’s associates understands the importance of the principles that guide us, each employee will undergo a series of training sessions. 1. Upon employment with the Righway organization employees will be given a copy of our Code of Ethics. It is the responsibility of each employee to familiarize themselves with the 5 key elements of our Code of Ethics. 2. New employees will be required to submit in writing an individual plan for how they will implement each principle (Honesty, Integrity, Responsibility, Guidance Abundance, Passion) of our Code of Ethics. This report is due during the first week of employment. 3. All employees are required to report any infraction of our Ethics Code to the appointed Ethics Officer. These reports will be kept in the strictest confidence while being investigated. Once the investigation is concluded a course of action will be chosen by the Board of Directors to insure that all employees are in compliance with our Code of Ethics. 4. The Ethics Committee will create and distribute a quarterly newsletter educating all employees of current trends concerning our Code of Ethics. This newsletter will also celebrate employees who go above and beyond in their performance of our Code of Ethics. 5. All questions regarding our Code of Ethics should be directed to our Ethics Officers. These individuals will guide, educate and assist all employees in the implementation of our Code of Ethics. All inquiries will be treated with complete confidence when necessary or requested.

Ethics Committee and Adherence:
Because the conduct of Rightway employees is the key to the success of the Rightway organization we will appoint an Ethics Committee to oversee the implementation, education, and adherence to this Code of Ethics.
Ethics Committee: The Board of Directors will appoint an Ethics Committee. This committee will consist of an Ethics Officer and no less than two Assistants. The Board will review the Ethics Committee on a quarterly basis to insure that they are acting in compliance to our Code of Ethics. The Board will also annually review the Ethics Committee as our organization grows and Assistants will be added as the Board deems necessary to insure that all employees of the Rightway organization are being educated and conducting themselves according to our Code of Ethics. Rightway”s Board of Directors will appoint an Ethics Director to oversee the implementation of the Code of Ethics. The Ethics Director will choose an Ethics Committee to assist with the implementation of the following procedures.
Ethics Committee Responsibilities: 1. The Ethics Committee with the guidance of the Ethics Director will oversee the implementation of the Code of Ethics. 2. The Committee is responsible to insure each employee understands our Code of Ethics and is in compliance with that code. 3. The Ethics Committee will publish a quarterly newsletter to inform, celebrate, and insure each employee understands his/her obligation to follow our Code of Ethics. 4. The Ethics Committee will periodically review all reports on donations to insure that all monies are being accounted for and reported accurately.
Infractions: If an employee witnesses an infraction to the Code of Ethics it is his/her responsibility to report these infractions immediately to an Ethics Officer. This may be reported in writing or in person. Due to the potential delicate nature of the incident all reports will be kept in strictest confidence.
Once an infraction has been reported the Ethics Committee will begin an investigation into the matter. The investigation will be conducted in a timely and appropriate manner. An investigation must be concluded within seven days of the reported infraction. Once the investigation is completed the Ethics Officer will request a special meeting with the Board of Directors. This meeting must take place within 24 hours of the request. At this meeting it will be determined what course of action should be taken in regard to the infraction.
Courses of Action:
Employees will be notified in writing that an infraction has been witnessed. The employee will be asked to take a leave of absence while the infraction is being investigated. An employee that is found in violation of the Code of Ethics will be subject to disciplinary action. This action may include unpaid leave of absence up to and including immediate dismissal.
Review:
To insure this Ethics Code is understandable and in concordance with the vision of the Rightway Organization we will conduct an annual review of this Code of Ethics. This review will be conducted by the Ethics committee, the Board of Directors, an overseen by an outside auditor appointed by the Board of Directors. At that time each section of the Code of Ethics will be evaluated for its relevance based on the growth of Rightway during the previous year. It is the intention of the Rightway Organization to provide the most relevant and up to date information to our clients. It is also the intention of Rightway to insure the information is at all times in accordance with the current laws and regulations governing our organization. This annual review will be conducted to insure that goal is met.
Conclusion:
While Rightway understands that no Code of Ethics can cover every situation Rightway asks that all employees consider the best interest of the company when acting as an agent for the company. When in doubt, find out. Seek the advice of our Ethics Committee before acting to insure you are in compliance. If the Ethics Committee fails to answer your question completely use your best judgment. If each member of our organization acts with Honesty, Integrity, Responsibility, Abundance, Guidance and Passion we will be the company Rightway’s Directors envision. Rightway seeks to serve this community with the best of their ability at all times. Please keep this guide with you and refer to it often.
Employee acknowledgment:
I have read and I understand Rightway's Code of Ethics. I agree to accept by rules defined above and understand that I may be removed as a participant if I infringe any of these rules.
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