A code of conduct is a vital organizational document. Breaches of ethics can land companies in serious trouble with consumers, other organizations or government authorities. Creating a code of conduct makes decision making easier at all levels of an organization. It reduces ambiguity and considerations of individual perspectives in ethical standards.

Code of conduct examples are easily found by searching the web. They extend from organization codes to professional codes. The biggest mistake any corporation can make is to replicate someone else’s code. These are the exact reasons we spent time going over the History of Ethics and the Psychology Behind Ethics.

A strong code of conduct must be established with the specific organization or profession in mind. Enron’s code of conduct is often touted as a strongly written code. How much good did it do them?

This course focuses on important concepts professionals should know and understand about codes of conduct.

Learning Objectives

• Explore reasons behind establishing a code of conduct.
• Identify important concepts for adequate codes.
• Recognize the benefits of codes of conduct.
• Explore model codes and examine how they link to ethical theories.
• Identify important code components.
• Identify how to develop your code.
• Explore how to personalize your code.

Last updated/reviewed: March 20, 2024

Included In Certifications

This course is included in the following Certification Programs:

13 CoursesEthical Leadership Certification

  1. History of Ethics
  2. Ethics and the Psychology Behind the Concept - Part 2
  3. COSO 2013 Control Environment
  4. Today’s Corporate Ethical Culture - An updated course
  5. Managing Through Corporate Politics
  6. Real World Business Ethics Scenarios
  7. Relationship between Ethics, Morality, and the Law
  8. Impact of Ethics on Leadership
  9. Framework for Ethical Decision Making
  10. Keys to an Effective Code of Conduct
  11. Keys to Understanding Conflicts of Interest
  12. Whistleblower Hotlines - History and Regulations
  13. Whistleblower Hotlines - Effective Management

15 CoursesManagement Oversight, Analysis and Internal Controls Certification

  1. Management Internal Control Essentials
  2. Comprehensive Examination of COSO 2013: Components and Principles
  3. Keys to an Effective Code of Conduct
  4. Fraud Risk Assessments
  5. Enterprise Risk Management 101
  6. Identifying and Implementing the Proper Balance of Internal Controls
  7. Information Technology (IT) Controls in Emerging Business Environments
  8. Analyzing Financial Ratios - Solvency, Liquidity and Debt
  9. Analyzing Financial Ratios - Leverage
  10. Effectively Managing and Controlling Travel and Entertainment (T&E) Expenses
  11. Keys to Understanding Conflicts of Interest
  12. Documentation Methods For Internal Control Processes
  13. Segregation of Duties for Core Business Processes
  14. Professional Skepticism - Keys to Maintaining
  15. Whistleblower Hotlines - Effective Management
34 Reviews (188 ratings)

Reviews

5
Anonymous Author
This course provided an excellent, comprehensive overview of the vital role that a Code of Conduct plays in an organization. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue around model codes in different industries as these examples were insightful and thought provoking. The instructor presented content in an easy-to-follow manner, and included well-documented supporting materials to reiterate key concepts.

5
Anonymous Author
I feel the need to advise my organization's management of the need to revisit and revise our Code of Business Conduct. I feel this course gave me a better appreciation for the complexity of that task and good ideas on how to tackle it. I especially appreciate Lynn's advice to work as a cross-functional team in order to make sure that the CoC can be owned by everyone.

5
Member's Profile
Holy Moley Lynn, another 100%. You teach and I listen and learn. Amazing content, comprehensive in depth and breath. I love your courses and you do a phenomenal job. If you are think of taking this course DO NOT HESITATE. Lynn's presentation helps one evolve in their professional and personal life.

5
Anonymous Author
First half of the course is a bit slow and obvious for those who have some experience in this area. But the 2nd half is really interesting, especially the slides on developing/personalizing the code of conduct. This is the first time I see a clear and thought out guidance on the matter. Thanks!

4
Member's Profile
A lot of the material is fairly obvious and the class proceeded slowly, but it was easy to follow. The instructor's communication skills are not great. Her criticism of some examples did not make sense. Overall the course was decent and informative.

4
Anonymous Author
This course kept my interest and covered a lot of valid and helpful information that I was not aware of. I would recommend this course to others who want to know more about how a company is run and how they develop codes of conduct.

5
Anonymous Author
I liked the thoroughness of this course, as well as the fact that the instructor kept me engaged. I would highly recommend this course for anyone that is thinking to write a Code of Conduct for their company

5
Anonymous Author
This course covered information on the important of a code of conduct. I have not previously had training on this topic, and I think the information covered is beneficial for all HR professionals.

4
Member's Profile
Great overview of writing a code of conduct and the potential pitfalls that can occur - which can create unintentional ambiguity and misapplication of the code. Very useful. Thank you!

5
Anonymous Author
I enjoyed learning the benefits of personalizing the code of conduct and the importance of periodically reviewing and updating the code to reflect changes in the business environment.

5
Anonymous Author
I really enjoy this presenter. The course information was clear and concise. The supporting materials will be great to reference going forward.

5
Member's Profile
The author gives a modern approach to the development of the code. The author has a wealth of experience that helps him to formulate problems

5
Anonymous Author
This course was extremely informative! I really liked the application of knowledge against examples from multiple businesses. Thank you!

5
Anonymous Author
The course provided excellent information on developing a code of conduct. It was well-presented, and informative examples were given.

5
Anonymous Author
Another great presentation, from a small business this helps on considering issues and a good how to on creating a code of conduct.

5
Member's Profile
I thought that this was an outstanding course. The part that interested me the most is best practice for the code of conduct.

4
Anonymous Author
Overview of codes of conduct and how it applies to companies in facilitating conduct oriented decision making.

4
Anonymous Author
This course presented the concept of a code of conduct and the associated challenges in an informative manner.

4
Anonymous Author
Very helpful particularly to those who do not have an idea on how to develop a code of conduct from scratch.

4
Anonymous Author
Thanks for the helpful overview of ethical code of conduct concepts. Very helpful overview. Thanks!

5
Anonymous Author
Good review of information for an effective code of conduct. Course well prepared and presented.

5
Anonymous Author
This is a great and interesting course on effective code of conduct. I strongly recommend.

5
Anonymous Author
Good introduction to an effective code of conduct. Enjoyed the case study examples.

5
Anonymous Author
This was an informative course. Creating codes of conduct are very important

5
Anonymous Author
This course was very detailed and I felt effectively got the lesson across

5
Anonymous Author
Important topic for internal auditors preparing and revising their codes.

5
Anonymous Author
code components is reall important to create, operate and updating it.

4
Member's Profile
This is good Course.I recommend all users to go through this course.

5
Anonymous Author
an easy code discussing the different aspects of code of conduct.

5
Anonymous Author
Effective trainer and good handouts. Thanks for the information

4
Member's Profile
The course was well done and gave several practical examples

5
Anonymous Author
Good training, easy to follow and understand key concepts.

3
Anonymous Author
well thought out and acceptable for cpe review purposes

4
Member's Profile
Great presentation!

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

No Advanced Preparation or Prerequisites are needed for this course, but completion of the instructor's other courses on ethics may be helpful.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to Key to an Effective Code of Conduct4:22
Key to an Effective Code of Conduct
  Types of Codes6:29
  Purpose Behind the Code of Conduct14:27
  Important Aspects for Codes11:55
  Benefits of Code of Conduct11:21
  Model Codes Part 111:31
  Model Codes Part 28:13
  Develop Your Code12:02
  Personalize Your Code5:03
CONCLUSION
  Summary2:09
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  Key to an Effective Code of Conduct1:27:33
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Slides: Key to an Effective Code of ConductPDF
  Key to an Effective Code of Conduct Glossary/IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam