Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics - Essay Example

17). FedEx moves more than 25million packages per day and they deliver approximately 6.5 billion packages each year (Shactman, 2012). The mission statement for FedEx is: FedEx Corporation will produce superior financial returns for its shareowners by providing high value-added logistics, transportation and related information services through focused operating companies. Customer requirements will be met in the highest quality manner appropriate to each market segment served. FedEx Corporation will strive to develop mutually rewarding relationships with its employees, partners and suppliers.

Safety will be the first consideration in all operations. Corporate activities will be conducted to the highest ethical and professional standards (Farfan, 2012). Section 2: Analysis The type of ethical system that FedEx uses is a rights-based system. In their Code of Ethics (the Code), they emphasize the rights of the people, whether they are employees or customers. As an example, the Code is written in regular language so that everyone can understand what is said. The Code also has typical questions and answers after each section so that anyone reading the Code can apply what the code says to specific situations.

FedEx emphasizes that “Lawful and ethical behavior is critical to our continued success and is required”(FedEx, 2012, “Code” p.5) . The company also states that although the entire Code is important, there are some parts that will effect employees and contractors, while other parts of the Code may be more relevant to management. They have created a Code that is important for everyone to read, understand, and ask questions if they do not understand something. How the Code is Used and its Results The major aspects of the Code state that anyone who sees anything that is against the Code should report these instances.

This seems to create challenges because some people may something they think is a violation and this may not be the case. Management. Management is responsible for their own adherence to the Code, but they also are responsible to make sure that their employees are also adhering to the code. Managers are to be the example to all employees of both ethical and lawful behavior. The company believes that “Proper business conduct encourages loyalty from our team members” (FedEx, “Code”, p. 5).

They expect managers to have a high level of positive conduct in every situation. Managers are expected to respect the company and its employees and to read and understand the Code on many levels. They are to take charge of their departments and take seriously any reports by their employees about Code violations. They are also supposed to make sure they take appropriate action when there are violations. Managers are also supposed to monitor the employees to anticipate any problems that may occur.

As an example, they are to “anticipate, prevent, and detect” (FedEx, “Code”, p. 6) any violations within their departments. Employees. FedEx has in place a way for employees to complain if they see a violation of the Code. As an example, if an individual feels they have not been promoted because the manager is making a biased judgment instead of one made on merit, they can follow the protocol to have this assessed. Anything that happens in the workplace that they feel is against the Cod