Purpose of a Code of Conduct

Newly created companies or new companies that result from a merger require a solid
code of conduct. A well-written code of conduct helps define the values and mission of the
company and links the two to the expected conduct of employees (Adam, & Rachman-Moore
2004). Through a code of conduct, a company is able to state the values it believes in and the
desired behavior. A code of conduct establishes the guiding principles that employees must
follow. It establishes an environment of commitment in the organization and helps in creating a
strong positive culture in the organization. In addition, a code of conduct in every new company
helps come up with an ethical framework that guides the conduct of employees and helps in
decision making (Adam, & Rachman-Moore, 2004). A code of conduct contains the do’s and
don’ts that help ensure that employees work cohesively to achieve the mission and vision of the
organization. In addition, a code of conduct helps a new company to build a strong reputation. It
creates a strong message of what the company stands for, and this helps in creating a strong
reputation.
Evaluation of Levi Strauss’ Code of Conduct
Ethics allude to moral principles that guide the behavior of individuals. Levi Strauss’
code of conduct obeys various ethical principles (Mingaleva, 2013). One ethical principle if
respect for persons. The ethical principle of respect for persons states that people should be
treated in a dignified manner (Mingaleva, 2013). It goes further to state that people should
respect the decisions made by other people. Levi Strauss embraces respect for persons by
creating an environment of trust and transparency (Levi Strauss & Co., 2017). The company has
created a section that describes its relationships with suppliers, the media, consultants, and other
service providers. The code of conduct seeks to ensure that the autonomy of all people that the

company relates to various in capacities is respected. The company understands the role that
third parties play in its success. To this end, it is committed to maintaining a healthy relationship
with third parties who have a huge impact on the company’s success.
Another important ethical principle is the principle of beneficence and nonmaleficence
(Mingaleva, 2013). Beneficence is the principle of doing good to others. On the other hand, the
principle of nonmaleficence is the ethical obligation not to harm others. Levi Strauss has a
policy against discrimination and harassment (Levi Strauss & Co., 2017). The policy ensures that
the company safeguards its employees from all sorts of harm. The company seeks to establish a
fair working environment, and this is in line with the ethical principle of beneficence. In
addition, the company aims to enhance the safety of workers, and this helps the company fulfill
the ethical principle of nonmaleficence.
Own Experience
In my current place of work at General Electric, we have a code of conduct that defines
the behavior of employees. The code of conduct is detailed and has helped us ensure that we
make ethical decisions. We believe in protecting the rights of every citizen. Further, the code of
conduct is in line with the principles of treating everyone with dignity.

References

Adam, A. M., & Rachman-Moore, D. (2004). The methods used to implement an ethical code of
conduct and employee attitudes. Journal of Business Ethics, 54(3), 225-244.
Levi Strauss & Co. (2017). Worldwide code of business conduct. Retrieved from
http://levistrauss.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/CodeofConduct_English.pdf
Mingaleva, Z. (2013). Ethical Principles in Consulting. Procedia-Social and Behavioral
Sciences, 84, 1740-1744.