FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do we get started?
Why don’t we get any “hotline” calls
from overseas?
Into how many languages should we translate our materials?
How can I get senior management on board?
We are a small business. Is it worth developing a program
and what can the Institute do for us?
How long does it take and how much will it cost?
Can you send me your rate card?
What is the best way to invest our limited resources?
Question: How do we get started?
Response: You should start by asking one fundamental
question: What purpose does my organization wish for its ethics initiative
to serve? The planning and preparation
phase that takes place prior to the development of a code document or
training is vital to the overall ethics initiative. You should also solicit
the input and guidance of colleagues in different functional and geographic
areas. Nothing makes one more interested in an initiative than being a
part of it.
Question: Why don’t we get any
“hotline” calls from overseas?
Response: Cultural attitudes regarding the concept of
the “hotline” vary from one country to the next. In some locations,
e.g., China, Germany and Russia, contacting a corporate hotline can be
regarded as “reporting,” which has negative associations with
historical events. The Institute can assist in developing strategies to
help an organization’s global employee population better understand
the purpose and use of this important communication channel.
Question: Into how many languages
should we translate our materials?
Response: You should translate your ethics materials
into the languages/language variations (e.g., French and Canadian French)
that exist in the locations where you have operations. While many of the
employees of multinational organizations speak the language of the corporate
headquarters, one can never be certain that they fully comprehend the
information contained in code documents or training materials. Additionally,
translating the materials in the languages of its employees demonstrates
that the organization cares not only about business ethics, but also about
its employees.
Question: How can I get senior management
on board?
Response: Without the full support of senior management,
it is difficult to develop and implement a successful business ethics
initiative and an effective business ethics program. From the earliest
stages, senior managers should be included in the development of the initiative
so they come to feel a sense of “ownership” of the process.
The Institute can provide guidance and assistance with regard to this
issue.
Question: We are a small business. Is
it worth developing a program and what can the Institute do for us?
Response: Even the smallest of businesses can benefit
from developing and implementing a business ethics program. A recent study
inidicates that small companies are in fact, most vulnerable to employee
abuse and fraud. A business practices program communicates the values
and standards of the company both to employees and to external stakeholders,
like customers and the community. For a small organization, a simple code
document and short, occasional training sessions - during a lunch break,
for example - might represent an effective program. The Institute can
provide assistance by guiding you through the process and helping to develop
program materials.
Question: How long does it take and how much will it
cost?
Response: The time required to plan, develop, and roll
out a business ethics program will vary depending upon the scope of the
initiative and the size of the organization. It can take as long as five
years or little as a few months. It should be noted that, ultimately,
a commitment to business ethics is an ongoing concern. Even after a specific
program has been rolled out, organizations should strive to continually
improve their overall ethics initiative.
The cost associated with planning,
developing, and rolling out a business practices program will also depend
upon the scope of the initiative and the size of the organization. The
Institute can help organizations grapple with the financial issues involved
in the process. Please contact us by e-mail at services@business-ethics.org
or by phone at +1 202 296 6938 for more information.
Question: Can you send me your rate card?
Response: The
Institute develops a customized proposal for each project based upon the
unique needs of the organization and the recommendations proposed by the
Institute. Please contact us by e-mail at services@business-ethics.org
or by phone at +1 202 296 6938 to request a proposal.
Question: What is the best way to invest
our limited resources?
Response: The
most appropriate strategy for your organization depends upon the unique
needs of your stakeholders. You may request a free consultation with the
Institute - by phone or in person - to further discuss your organization’s
needs and the Institute’s recommendations. For more information,
please contact us by e-mail at services@business-ethics.org
or by phone at +1 202 296 6938 to request a proposal.
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