Module 2 – Reader 5 – Task 5B

Module 2 – Reader 5 – Task 5B

An interesting article I found online conveys what workplace ethics actually are, I thought this would be interesting to share with everyone, as it really helped me almost ‘label’ what we actually decipher as ‘ethics’…

“Workplace ethics are codes of conduct that influence the development of an ethical culture within the workplace. Going beyond what is considered legal in the area where the business operates, workplace ethics inspire communication between employees, allow for respect to be extended to each person within the organization, and promote customer relationships that are based on honesty and integrity. While there are core elements that tend to define a work-based code of ethics, the specific expressions of these central values vary from one corporate setting to the next”.

“Along with being shaped by laws and regulations, workplace ethics are also influenced by business ethics For example, ethical business practices would include actions such as not using marketing materials or campaigns that mislead consumers. Workplace ethics would also involve establishing and operating support networks such as wellness programs that help employees be healthy and happy. Ethics of this type would also involve the conscious effort to cultivate a working environment where people want to come to work and be productive because of pride in what they do for a living”.

“While businesses tend to comply with laws and regulations set by local jurisdictions, not every company sees the need to develop workplace ethics that affirm the worth of employees and motivate them to be productive on the job. When a company chooses to do no more than what is required by local law, the chances of heavy employee turnover are much higher. In addition, it is easier for cliques to develop among certain groups of employees, a state that can often undermine productivity and cost the company a great deal in terms of time and revenue generation”.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-workplace-ethics.htm

With regards to my personal ‘code of conduct’, the retailer I work for has a very strong ‘code of ethics and behavior’ which you can read in the link and also pdf link below.

http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/howwedobusiness/our_policies/our_people

http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/documents/specific/investors/governance/code_of_ethics.pdf

published September 2012

Both of the above documents are viewable for anyone, proving how passionate we are for what we stand for.

“We are committed to doing the right thing, the right way”.

Marc Bolland Chief Executive

All M&S employees are required to adhere to the Code and the policies it refers to. We all have a responsibility to protect the Company’s reputation in everything we do and say. We are to ensure that we have thoroughly read, understood and act in accordance with the Code and the various policies embedded in it. M&S want their employees to understand why this is important and what is expected of all employees.

It is imperative that we represent ourselves properly, as otherwise it can be detrimental to the brand.  I am passionate to work for the brand and therefore agree and apply myself daily to the code of conduct expected of me.  It sounds a little regimented when I say it like this, but working for one of the UK’s most ethically proven companys Is brilliant as I can literally practice what I preach!

I have also found a couple of interesting articles on ethical trading standards, showing how ethics are applied within retail –

http://www.ethicaltrade.org/in-action/people/louise-nicholls

A brilliant quote taken from the above is…

“In future, ethics should be as important as quality for all businesses”.

I agree whole heartedly with the above article, and if you are interested in trading standards, read the above for an insight!

Another interesting article with regards to ethical standards, and how Marks & Spencer set out plans to become the world's most sustainable retailer by 2015 can be found in the below it includes a little info on PLAN A (http://plana.marksandspencer.com/about), our strategy launched in January 2007, setting out 100 commitments to achieve in 5 years. We've now extended Plan A to 180 commitments to achieve by 2015, with the ultimate goal of becoming the world's most sustainable major retailer.

Through Plan A we are working with our customers and our suppliers to combat climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable raw materials, trade ethically, and help our customers to lead healthier lifestyles. It has been named Plan A, as unfortunately there is no Plan B!

http://www.standard.co.uk/business/marks--spencer-aims-to-lead-world-in-ethical-trading-6728440.html