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: