Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

An overview of code of conduct.

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct: 

  • These are instructions for an individual or an organisation’s standard of behaviour and practises that guide the organisation’s decision, method, and system in a way that:
  • Contribute to the well-being of its most important stakeholders.
  • Respect the rights of all stakeholders who are impacted by its operations. 
  • These guidelines ensure the social standard and rules and responsibility or proper practices for an individual or an organisation.
  • They are a legally enforceable standard of behaviour expected of those working in the public sector.

Examples: 

  • The Election Commission of India publishes the Model code of conduct (MCC) that deals with different stages of the election.
  • Similarly, a civil servant is also provided with a code of conduct; it includes guidelines on accepting gifts by government servants and specific behaviour regulating codes.

Elements of Code of Conduct: 

  • A code of conduct for civil officials must address all key ethical problems as well as legal responsibilities.
  • Following are the elements of the code of conduct:
  • The general standard of accountability.
  • Compliance with all applicable laws.
  • Maintaining confidentiality.
  • Political impartiality.
  • Probity.
  • Commitment to public service.
  • Addressing conflict of interests.