Self-Paced Powerpoint Presentation Introduction to Business Ethics - used for office personnel and new hire orientation

1. INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS ETHICS
Patricia Roy, HR Director and SPHR

2. ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE
Ethics are the principles and standards that define
acceptable conduct. Many of the issues discussed during
this training session are stated in the Acme Industries Ethics
Policy.
After completing this training session, you will be asked to
complete a short quiz and then will be asked to sign and
return a copy of the Ethics Policy for our records.

3. ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE
Following this session you will be able to:
 Clearly understand the purpose and details of the Acme
Ethics Policy
 Recognize Ethical Issues in the workplace
 Know how to report an unethical situation in the
workplace
 Pass a short quiz

4. The Facts on Business
Ethics Policies and Training
Of employees surveyed:
– 86% reported that their organizations have
written standards of conduct
– 69% reported that their organizations offer
mandatory ethics training
– 65% reported that their organizations have a place
where they can seek ethics advice

5. The Purpose of our ETHICS POLICY
The success of our business is dependent on the trust and
confidence we earn from our employees, customers and
suppliers. It is easy to say what we must do, but the proof is
in our actions.
Our customers rely on Acme Industries and its employees
to act in an ethical manner in all of our actions.

7. Recognizing an Ethical Issue
An ethical issue is an identifiable
problem, situation, or opportunity that requires
a person to choose from among several actions
that may be evaluated as right or wrong, ethical
or unethical.
Did You Know?
The most common types of observed misconduct
are lying, withholding information, and abusive/
intimidating behavior.

8. Acme Industries Ethics Principles
• Obeying the law
• Respect for the individual and respect for diversity
• Avoiding conflicts of interest
• Accurate Recordkeeping
• Protecting Confidential and Proprietary information
• Appropriately utilizing Company resources
• Uncompromising integrity and honesty in everything
we do

9. General Expectations Regarding
Ethics and Conduct
Obeying the Law
Acme Industries and its employees will comply with all applicable
laws and regulations.
Respect for the individual and respecting diversity
Acme is committed to respecting a culturally diverse workplace.
We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination in the workplace.

10. General Expectations Regarding
Ethics and Conduct
Conflicts of Interest
Occurs when a person must choose whether to
advance their own personal interest or those of
others. We must avoid any business relationship or
activity that could interfere or appear to interfere with
our ability to make fair decisions.
Employees must avoid receiving substantial gift or
economic gains (bribes, product bonuses, unusual price
breaks, and other windfalls) designed to benefit the
customer, vendor, competitor, or employee at the
expense of the company.

11. General Expectations Regarding
Ethics and Conduct
Recordkeeping
All corporate records must be true, accurate and
complete, and company data must be promptly
and accurately entered in our books.
We must not improperly influence, manipulate
or mislead any audit.

12. General Expectations Regarding
Ethics and Conduct
Confidential and Proprietary Information
We will not disclose confidential, proprietary and/or
nonpublic information of Acme Industries, its
employees, customers and other business partners without
a valid business purpose and proper authorization.
Examples of confidential information:
• Trade secrets
• Pricing and financial data
• Customer names/addresses
• Employee social security numbers and contact
information

13. General Expectations Regarding
Ethics and Conduct
Use of Company Resources
Employees and those who represent Acme Industries are trusted
to behave responsibly and use good judgment to conserve
company resources. Managers are responsible for the resources
assigned to their department.

14. General Expectations Regarding
Ethics and Conduct
Uncompromising integrity and honesty in everything we do
Acme Industries is committed to integrity and honesty in all of
our business dealings. This means that we do not falsely
represent ourselves in any of our business dealings.

15. General Expectations Regarding
Ethics and Conduct
Compliance with this policy of business
ethics and conduct is the responsibility of
every Acme Industries employee.
Disregarding or failing to comply with this
standard of business ethics and conduct
could lead to disciplinary action, up to
and including termination of
employment.

16. Questions to Consider in Determining
Whether an Action is Ethical
• Are there any potential legal restrictions or violations that
could result from the action? Will you break any laws?
• Will this go against Acme policy?
• Would this activity be accepted by your coworkers?
• Will your decision or action withstand open discussion with
coworkers and managers and survive untarnished?
• Does this activity fit with your own beliefs and values?

17. Misconduct Observed in the Workplace
Note the examples below of Misconduct Observed in the Workplace and how they
relate to the Acme Principles of Conduct
ACME PRINCIPLE OF
CONDUCT VIOLATION
Respect for the Individual
Obeying the Law
Conflicts of Interest
Obeying the Law
Recordkeeping
Respect for the
Individual/Diversity
Obeying the Law
Respect for the
Individual/Obeying the
Law

18. Misconduct Observed in the Workplace
Your responsibility in Reporting Ethical, Legal or
Financial Integrity Concerns
Keep ethics in mind when taking action in the workplace.
Prevent mistakes or wrongdoing by asking the right questions
at the right times.
Managers must promptly address, report, and escalate
issues that indicate a breach of ethics.
The company prohibits retaliation against any employee or
manager reporting a violation of these ethics rules.

19. Common Reasons For Not Reporting
Observed Misconduct
Employee doesn’t believe corrective action will be taken
As stated earlier, managers have the responsibility to promptly
address, report, and escalate issues that indicate a breach of ethics.
The Acme Industries Ethics Officer has the responsibility to
investigate and resolve ethics issues.

20. Common Reasons For Not Reporting
Observed Misconduct
Employee fears retribution or retaliation from supervisor or
management
The company prohibits retaliation against any employee or manager
reporting a violation of these ethics rules. Employees may also
report violations anonymously.

21. Common Reasons For Not Reporting
Observed Misconduct
Employee believes someone else would report the misconduct
Each employee should take responsibility and action if an ethics
violation has occurred.
Since ethics violations must be kept confidential, you most likely will
not be aware of any issues that have or have not been reported. Be
sure to report any perceived violation whether you believe someone
else has or has not done so.

22. Ethics Review
• Ethics are the principles and standards that define
acceptable conduct.
• The purpose of the Acme Ethics Policy is to establish
guidelines for employee conduct
• You can identify potential ethical problems by reviewing
their relationship to the law, Acme policy, or personal
beliefs.
• Ethical questions and issues should be reported to your
supervisor, any member of management, or the Acme
Ethics Officer.

23. A last word on Ethics . . .
We hope that you never have to face an ethical
dilemma at work, however, this Ethics Review
will help you to recognize and report issues that
may occur.
Acme Industries prides itself on maintaining an
ethical, fair workplace. Thank you for your
assistance in keeping it that way.
Congratulations – you’re almost done!

24. Ethics Quiz
The final steps:
• Visit the following website to complete your
quiz on Ethics:
http://www.surveymonkey.com
• Print and sign a copy of the Ethics policy and
return it to Human Resources.