What is the difference between code of ethics and code of conduct?
Many organizations follow a strict code of ethics and code of conduct in their governance. The main aim is to adhere to members of the group together based on certain standards.
However, these two terms tend to confuse a lot of people. The article provides the core difference between the code of ethics and the code of conduct with a comparison chart.
What Is a Code of Ethics?
Code of Ethics refers to a set of guidelines provided by top-level management to bring about acceptable behavior in members within an organization, association, or profession.
It is a core document that is quite vital in decision making, building professional standards, and boosting confidence in the organization.
The Code of ethics is formulated based on values, principles, and code of behavior. These terms help members to choose what is right and what is wrong.
Therefore, violation of the code of ethics might lead to termination or dismissal in the organization as a member.
What Is a Code of Conduct?
A Code of conduct refers to a framework that outlines the behavior and practices a person should have before becoming a member of an organization.
The document sets out the actual rules that employees must follow. Members are supposed to adhere and held accountable in case of violation.
The board of directors is responsible for issuing the set of rules that detect the social norms, rules, and responsibilities within an organization.
The core function of the document is to guide and direct employees in various matters that pertain to the management of the organization or associations.
Comparison Chart: Code of Ethics Vs Code of Conduct
| Basic Terms | Code of Ethics | Code of Conduct |
| Definition | A document issued by top-level management to provide guidelines on core ethical values, principles, and code of behavior | A document outline the specific practices and behavior to be followed by employees. |
| Nature | General | Specific |
| Scope | Wide | Narrow |
| Governs | Decision making | Actions |
| Length | Short | Comparatively longer |
| Disclosure | Publicly | Employees only |
| Focus | Values and principles | Compliance and rules |
Core Differences between Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct
- A Code of ethics is a document containing the values, principles, and ideals of the organization while coding of conduct outline the specific practices and behaviors to be followed by employees.
- The nature of the code of ethics in general while that of code of conduct is specific
- The code of ethics has a wider scope whereas the code of conduct has a narrow scope
- The length of the code of ethics is short while that of the code of conduct is comparatively long.
- The main focus of the code of ethics is values and principles while that of the code of conduct is compliance and rules.
- The disclosure of code of ethics in public while that of code of conduct is employees only.
- Code of ethics is vital for decision making while that code of conduct is used for regulating the actions.
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Comparison Video
Summary
Most of the things found in the code of conduct are extracted from the code of ethics. These two terms tend to be quite vital in an organization or association. However, they tend to be different from the code of behavior.
The core difference between the code of ethics and the code of conduct is the scope and its application. I hope the article provides detailed insight for deeper understanding.
More Sources and References
- Code of Ethics. Investopedia
- Ethical Conduct. Wikipedia