Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics

Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics

Ethics are written standards of ethical conduct. Everyone must follow the ethics of his or her organization. Business ethics is the study of what constitutes right and wrong, or good and bad, and human conduct in a business context ("Business ethics and corporate social responsibility," 2012). Code of business conduct and ethics serves to emphasize the company's commitment to ethics and compliance with the law, basic standard of ethical and legal behavior, provider reporting mechanisms for known or suspected ethical or legal violations, and help prevent and detect wrongdoing (Brimmer, 2007). This paper will discuss Palmetto Health's code of ethics, the type of ethical system used by the company, how the code of ethics is used, and why the organization may need to modify their existing code of ethics. In addition will discuss what reactions to the code are expected from managers, employees, and the organization culture as well as the effect of the code on the organization.

Palmetto Health is a 1,138-bed system located in Columbia, South Carolina. Palmetto is composed of four hospitals, Palmetto Health Richland, Palmetto Health Baptist, Palmetto Health Easley, and Palmetto Health Parkridge. Palmetto Health has 8,400 employees and 1,000 physicians. Palmetto Health is a JCAHO-accreditation institution and offers the latest technology and treatment protocols. Palmetto Health features Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Palmetto Health Breast Center, Total Joint Center, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Medicine as well as Chemical Dependency, Level I Trauma Emergency Services, Chest Pain Emergency Room, Air Ambulance Helicopter Service, Robotic Surgery Center and 12 medical residency and fellowship programs ("Mission and Values," 2012). Palmetto Health is committed to providing care with excellence, compassion, and improving the human condition. Palmetto Health is a nonprofit organization and patients are seen regardless of his or her ability to pay. Palmetto Health vision is to be remembered by each patient as providing the care and compassionate we want for our families and ourselves ("Mission and Values," 2012). Palmetto Health values include compassion, dignity, excellence, integrity, and teamwork.

Palmetto Health ethical system is duty-driven. A duty -base ethical system emphasis is on moral rules and duty (Lasley, 1992). Duty base ethics is a theory that decisions should be made solely or primarily by considering one's duties and the rights of others. According to Palmetto Health's code of ethics, Palmetto Health is committed to conducting its business ethically and lawfully as well as fostering an environment of trust, honesty, integrity, and maintain the utmost level of ethical standards within the organization. In addition duty-driven ethics focuses on the values and principles of the organization such as professionalism, integrity, and honesty. All employees, contract employees, volunteers, students, and trainees are required to adhere to Palmetto Health's standard of conduct. Moreover, all patients are to be treated with dignity, respect, and appropriately as well as all Palmetto Health's workforce complying with all policies governing patient care, including patient confidentiality, continuity of care, and all patients receiving the same level or care.

A code of ethics is a common organizational policy used in business organizations to improve business relationships, prohibit inappropriate employer behavior, and hold management accountable as well as employees. All employees are provided a copy of Palmetto Health's code of conduct upon employment and are required to attend an annual corporate compliance education and training policy as well as sign a statement of understanding. In addition all workforce members must comply with the code of conduct as a requirement of employment. Furthermore, Palmetto Health has compliance officers to ensure compliance and to function as a resource person for employees to report potential violations and to respond appropriately against violators. The board of directors monitors Palmetto Health's compliance to the code of ethics as well as their legal and ethical conduct contained in the code of conduct policy. This is done annually by meeting with the Chief Compliance Officer. Management is expected to act with equity, fairness, impartiality, and model responsible conduct as well as ensure that all employees adhere to the code of conduct. All employees are expected to understand and act in accordance with the rules and approved procedures established by the code of ethics as well as report immediately to Palmetto Health Compliance officer any perceived violations of Palmetto Health's Code of