The Copenhagen Compliance® framework for ethical behavior and decisions
The Copenhagen Compliance® framework
for ethical behavior and decision is a tool for making practical and ethical
decisions.
It can be difficult to scan the entire corporate code of conduct or policies
and procedures when an ethics decision has to be made on the spur of the
moment on an ethical dilemma or a conflict based on corporate values.
The ethical dilemma arises when there is an opportunity to take the wrong
moral course due to external pressures. The rationalisation then is to
reason with opinions that fit the situation.
To make a decision, based on the corporate ethics the first step is to
define the situation and collect as much information that is available
on the why and the how of the situation. It is vital not to conceal any
bearings on the ethical dilemma.
Based on the facts and the merits of the situation it is possible to define
the values so that the wrong/right, good/bad aspect is evident.
Personal professional, moral & logical values
Values must help explain or defending the ethical behavior. When you reach
a conclusion, your decision should not go against your values. In addition
to etc. which sometimes you have to keep in mind.
Principles & reasoning
The other side of the values coin is principles that go hand in hand with
values. Corporate principles that take into consideration the corporate
code that covers the element of the greatest good in the current situation.
The golden rule of zero tolerance
To determine the correctness of the decision a component of measure, accountability
and manner are included to control if extremes or excesses is an issue.
- The final component is consequences, happiness, and the benefit
that the decision has for all stakeholders.
- Tempted by a deliberate deception designed for gain by hurting another
company or person's interests, and incurs civil and criminal liability
- Power creates the possibility of abuse, (dis)trust or dishonest
gain
- We intuitively think of bad behavior as immoral & erratic with
material & spiritual well-being
- Open disdain for wealth in Oriental & Islamic scholars with belief
in the role of fate/kismet
- Ancient philosophers often blamed gross greed & materialism
- Good Governance discourages cheating or a tendency to achieve
unlawful gains
- Bible; 'easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for a rich man in heaven.'
