Business Ethics Touchstone 2 Template
Name:
Date:
Step 1. Select ONE code of ethics from the list provided.
- 3M https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/ethics-compliance/code/
- Berkshire Hathaway https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/govern/ethics.pdf
- Starbucks https://livingourvalues.starbucks.com/en-us/
- SHRM https://www.shrm.org/about-shrm/pages/code-of-ethics.aspx
- ASAE https://www.asaecenter.org/about-us/policies/code-of-conduct
Step 2. Answer the following questions, applying the vocabulary and concepts from the tutorials.
| 1. Give the name of the company or organization you have chosen from the list above. |
| 2. Find each of the following topics in the code of ethics you have chosen. Write 1-2 sentences paraphrasing or summarizing the company policy on each topic. If you cannot find a policy on the topic, indicate why you think they company did not provide a policy and what potential problems might occur because they do not have a policy. | |
| Basic conduct | |
| Confidentiality | |
| Competition | |
| Giving and receiving gifts | |
| Insider trading | |
| Social media usage | |
| Disparagement | |
| 3. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing whether the company’s ethical code describes an ethical minimum (legal compliance) or a higher ethical standard. Support your answers with specific examples from the code of ethics. |
| 4. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing what kind of culture the company seems to have based on the competing values framework (adhocracy, clan, market, hierarchy). Write 5-7 sentences supporting your answer with specific examples from the code of ethics. |
| 5. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing what ethical theory they seem to follow (virtue ethics, utilitarianism, or deontology). Support your answer with specific examples from the code of ethics. |
| 6. Based on this organization’s code of ethics, write 2-3 sentences in response to each question. | |
| Do you feel they are reasonable and employee-centered? | |
| Do any of the policies give you concern? | |
| Would you want to work here? Why or why not? | |
| What additional information would you find useful before making a decision to work here or not? | |
Step 3. Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
❒ Did you select a code of ethics from the ones listed above and read it carefully in its entirety?
❒ Did you locate each topic in the code of ethics and describe it in your own words?
❒ If any policy is missing, did you explain in your own words why they may not have included a policy and what problems may occur because of this?
❒ Did you answer all of the subsequent questions using both language from the code of ethics and the concepts and terms covered in the tutorials?
❒ Did you meet the length requirements for each question?
❒ Did you review the rubric and compare your assignment with the rubric to ensure all elements have been addressed?
❒ Did you read through your assignment to ensure no grammar errors exist? Did you use spell check?