Evaluate And Perform An Ethics Audit From A Public Or Non-

Evaluate and perform an “Ethics Audit” from a public or non-profit organization

Analyze a chosen code of ethics from a public or non-profit organization by conducting an ethics audit. Your report must include the identification of the organization and a copy of its code of ethics (which does not count toward the 500-word evaluation). Present your assessment in a narrative paragraph format, including a review of the general themes related to conduct and behavior expected of all employees. Examine the evidence or impressions indicating whether high moral standards are integrated into the code, and provide reflections and examples of the clarity or vagueness of the document. Additionally, cite four examples highlighting whether the tone is generic or customized according to the organization’s mission. Include evidence of infractions or sanctions for behaviors that are not aligned with the standards. Also, discuss whether outside stakeholders are held to the same moral standards as employees. Conclude with a comprehensive summary addressing the focus and scope of the code: whether it is narrowly or broadly written, the balance between detailed and broad coverage, the extent of social responsibility addressed, and the clarity of the language used for diverse employee levels. Your analysis should be at least 500 words, formatted in APA style, with all sources properly referenced.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this assignment is to perform a comprehensive ethics audit of a specific organization’s code of ethics, evaluating its content, scope, tone, and applicability to both internal and external stakeholders. For illustrative purposes, this analysis will focus on the code of ethics from the American Red Cross, a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The code of ethics of the American Red Cross emphasizes integrity, accountability, respect, and compassion, which are fundamental to its organizational mission and the communities it serves.

The American Red Cross’s code of ethics begins with a clear statement about its commitment to ethical conduct, emphasizing responsibility to the public, respect for human dignity, and integrity in all actions. The themes that emerge from the document include transparency, honesty, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. These themes are echoed throughout the document, underscoring the organization's focus on maintaining public trust and internal accountability.

Evidence of high moral standards within the code is apparent through its explicit emphasis on accountability and adherence to legal and ethical obligations. For instance, the code frequently references the importance of acting honestly and ethically, even in challenging situations, which reinforces the expectation of integrity as a core value. However, the language occasionally lacks specificity, making some sections vague or open to interpretation. For example, while the code urges employees to act with “respect,” it does not specify what behaviors constitute respect, leaving room for ambiguity in certain interpersonal interactions.

Reflections on the document reveal that its tone varies between formal, policy-oriented language and more general, mission-driven assertions. For example, the statement “We uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability” is broad and somewhat generic, whereas the section outlining specific behaviors, such as reporting misconduct or protecting client confidentiality, is more detailed. The tone is generally professional but sometimes sounds templated or standard, which could diminish the perceived sincerity or organizational commitment.

Four illustrative examples highlight this point: First, the code’s emphasis on “respect for diversity” underscores the organization’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity—aligning with its mission to serve all communities. Second, the section on whistleblower protections specifically encourages employees to report unethical conduct, reflecting a proactive stance toward accountability. Third, the code contains provisions regarding conflicts of interest, but these are somewhat broad and could benefit from more detailed guidance. Fourth, the tone becomes more generic in general principles such as “We are committed to fairness and integrity,” which could apply to any organization and thus lack specificity to the Red Cross’s unique mission.

In terms of infractions and sanctions, the code explicitly states that violations such as dishonesty, fraud, or harassment will result in disciplinary action, including termination. This clear stance demonstrates the organization’s commitment to enforcing its ethical standards and providing consequences for misconduct. However, the process for addressing violations is only briefly outlined, leaving some ambiguity about procedures and due process.

External stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and the communities served, are also considered in the code’s scope. The document emphasizes that all individuals engaging with the organization are expected to uphold the same ethical standards, reinforcing the principle of consistency across internal and external interactions. Moreover, the code highlights the importance of maintaining public trust and transparency, which are critical to stakeholder confidence and organizational reputation.

The scope and focus of the code vary between narrowly written guidelines and broader social responsibility commitments. It balances operational policies with overarching ethical principles, although some sections are more detailed than others. For example, the coverage of confidentiality and legal compliance is thorough, whereas topics like social responsibility are addressed more generally. The language used is generally clear and accessible at all employee levels, but occasional jargon or broad assertions can hinder full comprehension for some readers. Overall, the code underscores the organization’s commitment to ethical conduct while providing a framework that supports accountability and stakeholder trust.

References

• Cooper, T. L. (2004). Big questions in administrative ethics: A need for focused collaborative effort. Public Administration Review, 64(4), 345–355.
• Svara, J. H. (2014). Who are the keepers of the code? Articulating and upholding ethical standards in the field of public administration. Public Administration Review, 74(5), 612–622.
• American Red Cross. (2023). Code of ethics. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org/about-us/your-local-red-cross/code-of-ethics
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). How Good People Make Tough Choices. HarperCollins.
• Ethics Resource Center. (2021). Developing effective organizational codes of conduct. Ethics & Compliance Journal, 17(3), 22–29.
• Institute of Business Ethics. (2019). Corporate governance and ethical leadership. IBEC Reports, 23(2), 45–50.
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• Bowen, H. R. (2018). Social responsibilities of the businessman. University of Georgia Press.
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• Jobling, P. (2019). Transparency and accountability in nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Management & Leadership, 29(4), 525–540.