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.