Codes Of Conduct - CQ University and GlaxoSmithKline - Assignment Example

Running Head: COMPARING CODES OF CONDUCT Comparing Codes of Conduct Name Course Tutor Date Executive summary In the contemporary organisation, ethics and codes of conduct have become a common and mandatory issue. Every profession is today guided by general codes of conduct and specific ones that apply to them. Codes of conduct are very crucial for organisations as they shape the way different stakeholders interact with each other. All this is in a bid to have a cohesive organisation that operates within the law and meets expectations of different stakeholders (Somers, 2001). The type or kind of ethics followed by a specific organisation will depend on the nature of the organisations and the stakeholders that are concerned. In this view, different organisations and institutions have different forms of ethic and codes of conduct that they follow, often ethical dilemmas emerge in organisational contexts and how they are handled makes all the difference. The code of conduct applied by CQ University in Australia is different from that applied by GlaxoSmithKline. The two companies employ different strategies and practices. In the long run, the different practices have different effects on corporate governance and transparency for the two institutions Contents Running Head: COMPARING CODES OF CONDUCT 1 Comparing Codes of Conduct 1 Executive summary 2 Contents 3 Introduction 4 Question 1 4 CQ University Stakeholder groups 4 GlaxoSmithKline stakeholder groups 5 Emerging issues in CQ University 6 Emerging issues in GSK 7 Question 2 7 Mandatory and voluntary practices in CQ University 8 Mandatory and voluntary practices in GSK 9 Question 3 9 Corporate governance and transparency in CQ University 9 Corporate governance and transparency at GSK 10 Conclusion 11 References 12 Introduction Codes of conduct and ethics are guidelines that institutions and organisations follow in there conduct of their activities both internally and externally. They shape the relationship that different stakeholders in organisations have with each other. They also form basis for conflict resolution and implementation of general strategies. There are codes of conduct and ethics that are expected to cut a cross all professions and organisations. Different organisations on the other hand have different approaches and specific strategies that they use in addition (Stevens, 2008). In this report, a differentiation between the strategies and stakeholder perspectives of CQ University in austral and GlaxoSmithKline will be evaluated. How the ethics and conduct reflect on the organisation will also be discussed. Question 1 CQ University Stakeholder groups The university codes of conduct are designed to act as a central guidance to the decision making processes of university members and those they interact with on a day basis. They are also designed to be in line with the Public Sector Ethics Act of 1994 in Queensland. They go beyond the act by reaffirming the way university institutions should be run in a contemporary world. First, the codes affect all the university community members. In this view, it does not only govern the conduct of university professions but all stakeholders in the university. These include students, council members, non teaching staff and all other professions engaged by the university indifferent capacities. The management and administrative teams are also expected to follow the codes to the letter. The codes affect all fraternities in order to have order and a conducive environment to provide high quality education and services to the community. It seeks to promote a culture of ethical responsibility among all stakeholders it interacts with both within and out of the institution. Every individual conducting business on behalf of the university is guided by these codes of conduct as set by the university (CQ University, 2012). The code of conduct is especially meant for university members who are responsible for carrying out different tasks in the name of the university. They are expected to affect the community and all people they interact with in a responsible manner that upholds the image and reputation of the university. Specifically, the codes are intended for the entire university being a corporate entity, council member and its constituent arms, chancellors and university executives, senior and junior staff, supervisors and university managers, all academic staff, contracted staff, university volunteers and all persons acting representatives of the university. The above mentioned stakeholders are referred by the code as members of the university. All these individuals are expected to make a good example of the university to the public and to each other (CQ University, 2012). GlaxoSmithKline stakeholder groups The general code of conduct for the company is commitment to doing the right thing at all times. Being a multinational company that operates in more than 100 countries, its code of conduct covers numerous stakeholders. First, it is intended to guide employees on how they should uphold the core values of the company. GSK has a wide range of partners who are expected to follow its code of ethics and conduct. These include suppliers and vendors of its products. Organisations and individuals contracted to conduct business on behalf of the company are also expected to follow these codes of conduct which revolve around human right, labour practices, environment, health and safety. The company also has a code conduct for third party contractors who work on it behalf. Management and executives in the company are also expected to follow a management and compliance policy which provides a guidance and framework for controls and decision making processes. Apart from contactors, managers and executives, all employees of GSK are expected to read, understand and practice the code as set out by the company. This includes temporary and permanent workers in the company. The core values which guide the code of conduct expects all stakeholders expected to follow them should have a positive impact on those they interact with when acting in capacities related to the company (GlaxoSmithKline, 2012). Emerging issues in CQ University Codes of conduct have changed over time and their application in different institutions as well In the university perspective, the need to provide high quality academic output in a dynamic environment is at an all time high. Learning institutions are constantly re-evaluating their codes in order to cover more of arising issues and demands from the community (Davidson, & Goldberg, 2009). Being that the institution trains professions, it has to incorporate professional ethics of different practices that are taught in the university. For instance, it has to practice and teach accounting, nursing, engineering and other professional ethics. In this case, it not only has its own set of ethics but has to include different professional ethics as well. Researchers in the institution are also expected to follow certain codes of ethics as set by different bodies that govern research work. The institution therefore has to be in line and up to date with a majority of ethics that control other activities that that is engaged in Emerging issues in GSK Being a pharmaceutical company, the company holds a lot of lives at stake and hence no room for irresponsibility and unethical behaviour. In the recent past, commitment to leadership as way of affecting ethical behaviour in the industry has been advocated for. Ethics in the company have also been based on patient focus in a more comprehensive manner. The issue of safe and quality products for employees ahs also been used as a guidance to ethical procedures in the company. In the past, employee performance was based on productivity and the level of value they brought to organisations. GSK has uses adherence to codes of conduct as one of the measures of performance. The issues of detection and prevention of fraud has also found its ay in the codes of conduct. Employees are supposed to report any forms of suspected fraud in their own interest as well as those of the company. Protection of company assets, confidentiality and information is also an emerging issue in the company and industry as well (GlaxoSmithKline, 2012). Ethics in the company also relate to donations made by the company and also those made by the company as a corporate social responsibility strategy. Question 2 Ethics can broadly be divided into two categories. There those that are mandatory and may attract disciplinary action if the contrary is done. There are ethics that are driven by personal integrity and judgement and may not attract legal action or reprimand from authorities. These are based on different types of judgment and diverse views that people have on perspectives in this view there are ethics that are designed to meet the mandatory requirements while other are voluntary in nature (Newberg, 2004). Mandatory and voluntary practices in CQ University For CQ University, there are mandatory cods of conducts that are in line with the Public Sector Ethic Act as set by authorities in Queensland. For instance all members of the university are expected to act in a professional manner in the conduct of their activities. They are expected to carry out due diligence and judgement which is supposed to avoid any harm that may be inflicted on others. Their behaviour is not expected to show a negative e mage that may bring legal proceedings according to federal laws. For example, employees are expected to refrain from behaviour that may cause fraud or losses to the university as a result of negligence in the work place. Other issues such as bullying, denial of human rights and sexual harassment are also mandatory conducts in the university. Researchers in the university are also expected to follow set out procedures by different laws and regulations in the country. Contrary to this, penalties and legal disciplinary actions may occur. They are expected to avoid conflict of interest and research should be purely academic and should not accrue any personal benefits to them. All procedures in in this aspect should follow laws that are expressed by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Employees that are charged with the responsibly of safeguarding university property are supposed to disclose and be transparent and avoid any fraudulent activities that any bring losses or outrage to stakeholders. There are also general codes of conduct that are mandatory when dealing with each other in terms of respect honesty and integrity. In the voluntary perspective, members are expected to show corporate responsibility and be supportive of the community and society at large. Members are also supposed to avoid wastage of university resources. They are also supposed to disclose outsides’ engagements apart form those in the university. Other voluntary code of ethics in the university includes disclosure of gifts or benefits either internally or externally from performing duties related to the university (CQ University, 2012). Mandatory and voluntary practices in GSK For GSK, mandatory requirements include carrying our due diligence and having a duty of care in a manner that should not bring any harm to others. This includes consumers, dispensers and other stakeholders. Contractors of the company are not supposed to misrepresent the company in a manner that may bring losses or cause haram to others. They should always act in good faith and follow regulations laid down by the company policies. In this case, mandatory ethics revolve around abiding by rules and regulations set by healthcare authorities in specific countries where the company operates. Ethics revolving around avoiding fraud and corrupt dealings s are also mandatory in the company. Further to this, safeguarding company assets and information is also mandatory. In the voluntary perspective, stakeholders should be mindful when accepting or soliciting for entertainment gifts that may portray conflict of interest. Employees are also supposed to be stewards or ambassadors of the organisation. Employees are also expected to perform their work at best in the organisation. In many organisations most mandatory and voluntary codes tend to be similar in many perspectives which is also dependent on the nature of the organisation (GlaxoSmithKline, 2012). Question 3 Corporate governance and transparency in CQ University At CQ University, the codes of conduct are designed to promote an atmosphere of corporate governance and transparency. Public interests and image are an important aspect of corporate governance and responsibility (Thomsen, 2001). The codes are expected to uphold this at all times in seeking to achieve the mission and vision of the university. Corporate governance is also based on leadership that the codes of the university seek to set an example in. the university also advocates for openness in its dealings, decision making, procedures and emphasises on consistency and fairness. All this is advocated on an individual and a collective perspective as well. In a bid to promote transparency, the university is supposed to disclose all forms of financial support it receives from different stakeholder. How the funds are used is also guided by ethical codes of administration and governance which are part of policy guidelines. The university also engages in corporate social responsibility where it deals with issues such as environmental protection, sustainable development, cultural enhancement economic growth and transparent communication. Corporate governance and transparency at GSK For GSK corporate governance and responsibility is enhanced in several perspectives as well. Managers and leaders are committed to the general policy of doing the right thing at all times. Organisations dealing in products associated with human safety are very sensitive in nature (Glendon, Clarke, & McKenna, 2006). In this case, ethics in the company has to promote user safety alt all costs. In this case, the company is committed to delivering high medical standards in its products and personnel as well. As part of ethics, the company is expected to disclose all use information to users and consumers. The leadership in the company is committed to following global ethics and compliance in the practice of governance in the company. In terms of transparency, disclosures are important in any organisations. In this view, employees and stakeholders are supposed to avoid corrupt practices and report any fraudulent activities. Proper record keeping and transparent accounting is also in the ethical code of the company. Transparency is one of the core ethical codes in the company. Being an international company, ethics are also set to promote corporate governance in an international perspective and platform depending on rule, laws and regulations in different countries Conclusion Codes of conducts and ethics are an important and significant part of any organisation. Without them organisations are doomed to failure and extreme complications. These codes guide different stakeholders on how they are supposed to act in diverse situations both in their work and personal environments. As a result different emerging issues continue to come up in different industries and organisations regarding this aspect. Every organisation has mandatory codes of conduct that have dire consequences if not followed. These are normally based on laws and regulations in different professions and practices. There also voluntary ethics that guide personal conduct in different perspectives. Codes of conduct are supposed to promote responsible corporate governance in organisations and transparency to all stakeholders References CQ University. (2012, August 27). Codes of Conduct. CQ University Codes of Conduct. Australia: CQ University. Davidson, C. N., & Goldberg, D. T. (2009). The future of learning institutions in a digital age. The MIT Press. GlaxoSmithKline. (2012, July 8). The GSK Code of Conduct. The GSK Code of Conduct. Brentford, Middlesex, United Kingdom: GlaxoSmithKline. Glendon, A. I., Clarke, S. G., & McKenna, E. (2006). Human safety and risk management. CRC Press. Newberg, J. A. (2004). Corporate codes of ethics, mandatory disclosure, and the market for ethical conduct. Vt. L. Rev., 29, 253. Somers, M. J. (2001). Ethical codes of conduct and organizational context: A study of the relationship between codes of conduct, employee behavior and organizational values. Journal of Business Ethics, 30(2), 185-195. Stevens, B. (2008). Corporate ethical codes: Effective instruments for influencing behavior. Journal of Business Ethics, 78(4), 601-609. Thomsen, S. (2001). Business ethics as corporate governance. European Journal of Law and Economics, 11(2), 153-164. Read More