Ethics in an organization, whether a small business or big corporation, fosters good and wise business practices. Companies must guard their reputation against illegal or questionable practices. Problems, conflicts and other issues arise within the workplace or with the customer, which means business must incorporate ethics as a core value for proper solutions.
Joining a business ethics organization not only demonstrates your concern for ethical values, but opens up networking opportunities, sharing information, accessing resources and receiving support or help for business situations in this realm. Applying ethics to your business improves society, increases job satisfaction, strengthens teamwork, keeps lawsuits away, enhances success in a global and diverse business world and provides a good business reputation. Consider the following reasons for membership:
1. Join an ethics organization that provides resources to enhance your business model.
2. Consider joining other like minded business people concerned about a better world.
3. Receive newsletters, journals and other information written by academic and business professionals.
4. Take your corporation to a higher ethical standard in a global economy.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find business ethics associations that fit your core values
Associations typically hold conferences for training and resources that enhance different types of business ethics. Membership fees vary.
I recommend: Join
CRT (Caux Round Table) that promotes moral capitalism through involvement, volunteer efforts, and support. Consider the
Association for Practical and Professional Ethics that facilitates communication and joint ventures with businesses and nonprofits among other benefits. Check out membership and valuable benefits with the
Council for Ethical Leadership.
Locate business ethics groups that share your values
Membership in a business ethics group strives to involve its members in a wide range of venues. Your business stays connected with similar minded business people.
I recommend: If interested in joining an ethical group focused on economic strategies and actions to solve environmental and social issues join the
Co-op America Foundation, Inc. For computer professionals, consider
CPSR (Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility).
Join business ethics organizations that offer resources
Some organizations provide a forum for scholars and others in the business world. These organizations provide research and applications of ethics to business management. The members share information and hold regional meetings, workshops and training.
I recommend: Click “Members” to join the
Society for Business Ethics, an organization for scholars and anyone interested in business ethics. Membership includes newsletters, journals, resources and an annual meeting. Consider applying at
The Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct if your business contracts or subcontracts with the Department of Defense. Click “How to Join” to view requirements. Join the Center for
Ethical Business Cultures that focuses on maintaining ethical and business cultures at all levels. Get accreditation by joining the
Better Business Bureau, typically at the local level.
Consider corporate ethics organizations that help with compliance
A corporate ethics organization focuses on governance programs within the corporation. They hold conferences and offer resources. Some businesses maintain an office that oversees ethical programs with an Ethics Officer at the head.
I recommend: Obtain corporate membership or associate membership for nonprofits at
Business for Social Responsibility that focuses on a just and sustainable global economy through ethical values, communities, environment, people and business of all sizes. For business individuals with a designated assigned role in administering programs involving ethics and compliance consider having your corporation apply for membership with
ECOA (Ethics & Compliance Officer Association). Check out the
Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (SCCE) to help your business move toward a compliance workplace.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Your business or organization ethics start at the top and work downward to the employees. Some ethics associations and societies offer membership for your employees. This helps build teamwork with your business model's core values.
The official source of Business Ethics Organizations is
the Business Ethics Organizations page at Business.com
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