The Code of Ethics for Shell Company - Case Study Example

Business of Ethics Task Business of Ethics General Information & Mission ment The Shell Firm is one of the major multinational organizations that have been prosperous in the oil market. Its primary objective is to engage in the oil production business. In the succeeding years, it has developed into a corporation of high repute and expanded its investments. Their mission is to demonstrate clarity and prudence in dispensing of responsibilities. Basic regulations are necessary for the accomplishment of the company’s goals. These rules act as a valuable guideline in the daily endeavors of the business. They believe a secure environment enhances the value of life while incorporating fairness and respect, which are vital in dispensing their duties. These fundamental principles assist in the relations of the workmates; furthermore, they are determining points of their dedication to quality service. The Ethical System- duty-driven The ethical structure that the corporation utilizes is “duty-driven”. This insinuates that an employee can evaluate his moral obligations to his company and fellow workmates. The organization will observe the employees behaviors and try to counsel them on the principles to emulate. Some of the requirements that necessitate its adoption of the moral principles incorporate impartiality and integrity. Shell as a corporation practices equality in the job recruitment and management of staff. It is adamant on the supposition that the employees demonstrate impartiality in their interactions with fellow workmates (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). This is similar to the ethical standard of the Michigan police, which insinuates a police officer to undertake his/her tasks without prejudice or favor, as this will impair his professional judgment of the situation. The treatment of citizens will be tantamount without predjudice of their race, religion, position or affiliation. For example, in company’s such as Shell, fair judgment is vital is performance of transactions and normal duties .All employees are eligible to fair treatment from their seniors and fellow workmates. This ensures the smooth maneuvering of the institution with minimal complaints of inequalities during work. Companies observe integrity to dispel actions that will give unfair advantage to the perpetrators of fraud. This notifies employees and executives of prudence in the company’s affairs. It is inauspicious for the employees to utilize their positions for individual gain or benefit (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). Identification of such endeavors by the public will undoubtedly taint the company’s reputation .The police are to provide a reassuring A police officer is required to disassociate himself in deeds of a malicious and corruptible nature. The integrity of the police must surpass the level of compromise by any means. Fraudulent actions by the police can depress the community’s confidence in their law enforcement ability and willingness to rid crime. Why it is used The ethical principles are exercised to regulate behaviors and associations of institutions employees in the daily interactions with the commercial environment. These guidelines are able streamline the actions of institutions are in conformity with the legal guidance and the companys objectives. How the code of ethics are used It is apt for the employee to exhibit the ethical qualities via actions and mannerisms in the performance of their duties. The initiation of these stipulates should be subjective to all employees (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). It is a management tool for observing if the conduct of the employees is cognizant of the company’s objectives. For example, Shell employees are to dress appropriately in a style that portrays professionalism. In an office setting, it is ethical to dress in an official fashion, as this will impart seriousness in ones activities (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). The police are conventionally recognizable with their unique dress code and this immediately explains to the public their role. Therefore, appropriate dressing is one method of utilization of ethical standards. It also acts as a guideline by management to reprimand employees who engage in disreputable endeavors (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). An employee is able to review his/her responsibilities and the limitations put in the conduct of his duties. For example, Shell discourages harassing of working staff whether it is of a physical or physiological nature. This can diminish productivity of the employees and initiate absenteeism. These guidelines enable the police to undertake their assignments appropriately. The police are able to refer to the regulations displayed in the ethical document to evaluate their responses to crime. In addition, it is acts as a motivating factor in the institution and offer of a promotion, if he consistently exercises the rules of conduct (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). The managers confidently delegate authority to an ethical person since he ensures his workmates uphold the values of the organization. For instance, the police acknowledge ethics has the paramount to the dispensation of their tasks. If an individual officer exhibits exemplary performance of his duties while incorporating ethical standards in his deeds, he will be exceptionally viable for a promotion. When it is used The ethical codes are not necessarily restricted to time or a specific period since majority of the principles are ingrained in an individuals personal responsibilities (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). However, other ethical codes can only be relevant in the working environment. For example, the standard of appropriate dressing is mandatory for the police in the propagation of their duty. Thereafter the officer is at liberty to apply individual preferences according to the occasion. In other occurrences, the employees are monitored to dishearten engagement in dishonorable deeds that can jeopardize the corporations reputation. The police is a representative of the safety standards of the country and if he complements his salary in unscrupulous deals, he will dispel the public confidence in police. This is irrespective of the whether the officer has completed his shift or otherwise. Modification of existing codes Organizations need to modify their ethical code to satisfy legal requirements or amendments recognized by the company regulations. For the case of Shell Company, they will amend ethical structures with respect to business regulations in countries of operation utilizing the “Shell general business principles”. Furthermore, they have to adjust to ethnic changes in their working setting that influences their organizations ethics. Change in the management structure can also lead to modification of a company’s code of ethics, like the case of transferring ownership in a given company (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007).Reduction in productivity levels by a company or losses when conducting a business will lead a company to modify their “statements of ethics”. “The code of ethics for Shell Company” integrates virtues that promote growth in organizations. The codes implementation is through tutoring and offering refresher courses to employees in an organization and rewarding employees who adhere to the codes. Shell Oil Company has “code of ethics” similar with those of Michigan state police, they emphasize on honesty and integrity as being their core values. The company expects difficulties in adjusting to immediate changes within an institution in situations where they are modifying ethical regulations. There will be an immediate shift in organizations culture by adjusting to ethics changes such as incorporating new approach to duties (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). As a Chief Executive Officer, I will incorporate universal virtues in devising ethics statements that promote harmony within the workplace. A vigilant culture will experience more resistance when altering the existing code of ethics in use. Shell’s code of conduct values honesty, integrity and respect, while viewing them as being critical to their success (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). Reactions from the code According to Corey, Corey & Callanan, (2007), the ethical code at this organization enables employees achieve high standards of operation thus increasing their productivity levels. Shell’s ethic codes of honesty, integrity and respect are principles that cut across humanity regardless of their backgrounds. They form guidelines imperative in promoting sustainable businesses. The company managed to reduce elevated staff turnover by applying the ethics that facilitates good working environment within the company. Good organizational culture results from good ethics by observing law minimizes conflicts with judicial authorities giving a company a sense of security. This ethical code promotes effective decision making by companies that put them to practice. Moreover, ethics enhances consistency in the tasks of the company in diverse regions. Effects of the code on the Organization This code ethical format will influence future decisions of a company in “selection, recruitment, training and retention of staff based on merit” (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). This code in practice will minimize conflict of interest in organizations by enhancing teamwork (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007). The company will encourage individual’s growth where the ethics practiced at workplace will affect employee habits outside the company. Corporations ought to alter their ethical architecture when they are experiencing negative feedbacks from their employees. This organization features among the most successful in terms of their ethics statements. They have ensured that their ethics comply with regulations of the regions that they operate. Shell company standards apply to management and staff in a similar way. For a company to be successful, their ethics statements must motivate the staff and incorporate virtues that promote human progress. Shell’s ethical code enables them to participate in the community where the codes promotes “corporate social responsibility” (CSR). References Corey, G. Corey, M. & Callanan, P. (2007). Issues and ethics in the helping professions. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Read More