Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

You're the CEO of a company that sells golf equipment, including clubs, bags, and balls. When your company was started and had only a handful of employees, you were personally able to oversee the conduct of your employees. But with your current workforce of nearly fifty, it's time to prepare a formal code of conduct in which you lay down some rules that employees must follow in performing job-related activities. As a model for your own code, you've decided to use Macy's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Go to the company's Web site (http://www.federated-fds.com/investors/governance/documents/code_of_business_conduct_and_ethics.pdf) to view its posted code of business conduct. Your document won't be as thorough as Macy's, but it will cover the following areas: (1) conflicts of interest; (2) acceptance of gifts, services, or entertainment; (3) protection of confidential information; (4) use of company funds or assets for personal purposes; (5) competing fairly and ethically; and (6) adherence to code. Draw up a code of conduct for your company.

Think of someone whom you regard as an ethical leader. It can be anyone connected with you – a businessperson, educator, coach, politician, or family member. Explain why you believe the individual is ethical in his or her leadership.