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A paradigm for design, promulgation and enforcement of ethical codes

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Abstract

The paper explores the promise of ethical codes as a means to control unethical behavior in business. After a review of arguments for ethical codes from outside the business system, the paper outlines the arguments for codes from inside the business system at the level of the industry, firm and individual executive.

The paper then discusses the problems of code design — the dilemma between specific practices and general precepts — and offers a model for a thoroughgoing code. This is followed by a discussion of the problems of promulgation and code enforcement.

In conclusion, the paper summarizes the limitations of ethical codes and the arguments which have been made against them.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, Portland State University, 97207, Portland, OR, USA

    Earl A. Molander

Authors
  1. Earl A. Molander
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Additional information

Earl A. Molander is Associate Professor of Management at Portland State University. He is the author of Responsive Capitalism,and co-author of ‘Is the Ethics of Business Changing’, which appeared in Harvard Business Review.

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Molander, E.A. A paradigm for design, promulgation and enforcement of ethical codes. J Bus Ethics 6, 619–631 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00705778

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00705778

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