VALUES AND NORMS

Every organisation that values ethics should at least have a code of conduct.

This is important because everyone working at the organisation knows what is expected of them. The code of conduct should align as closely as possible with societal expectations. By sharing the values from the code of conduct both internally and externally, the people and parties you work with or for know what your organisation stands for.

Values and norms are not optional. They provide guidance in everyday and difficult situations in the workplace. They form an important benchmark for your organisation. It is important that the actions of the organisation and the conduct of management, supervisors and employees are consistent with the organisation’s values and norms. 

A good code of conduct is enlightening and inspiring, and supports management and employees in making decisions, whether easy or difficult. A code of conduct thus provides direction for the preferred culture within an organisation. Make sure the code of conduct does not exist only on paper, but truly comes to life in actions and behaviour.

TIPS FOR SUPERVISORY DIRECTORS

  1. Familiarise yourself with the code of conduct of the organisation you supervise and/or with sector-specific or other applicable codes. Ask yourself to what extent the organisation’s values and norms align with your personal values and norms.
  2. Discuss the values and norms with your fellow supervisory directors and the management board members, including what they mean to you. Discuss how you put them into practice in terms of visible conduct. A good example encourages others to follow. In this way, the values and norms come to life. Also, discuss the extent to which the values and norms fit the organisation’s strategy.
  3. Discuss with the Management Board how the organisation’s values and norms have been translated into concrete conduct – what is appropriate and what is inappropriate – and check this during site visits or informal contact with employees.
  4. Ask the Management Board to provide information on how they implement and maintain the code of conduct in the organisation, and how they handle situations of non-compliance with the code.