Abc Ethics Program

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You asked I provide a brief memorandum setting forth my views as to whether or not ABC Institution should adopt a compliance and ethics program and if so, how ABC should create the framework. I. What is the relationship of compliance and ethics programs to evolving notions of corporate responsibility? Often referred to as “new,” Corporate Responsibility has its roots in U.S. history and business. Corporate responsibility is the commitment by companies to manage their activities in a responsible way. More broadly, it includes efforts by businesses to contribute to the society in which it operates. As industries began to understand the complex relationship between business success and social responsibility, ideals such as corporate image, …show more content…

ABC can show investors that with their CEP they are contributing to the establishment of an enduring ethical culture, while helping to provide shelter from severe sanctions in the event of legal and/or regulatory difficulty. By providing this demonstration of the organization’s commitment to integrity, ABC will save money by utilizing corporate policies and procedures to prevent misconduct and effectively address issues when they occur. With an effective CEP, these procedures will be systemic in nature, allowing the institution to impact business policy and procedure not only now, but also for the foreseeable future. Effective CEP procedures will allow the institution to understand the nature of risks and potential exposures while combatting employee misconduct. The identification and management of risks that impact the institution’s reputation will encourage employees to act with suppliers and customers in a way that strengthens those relationships. III. What is the legal basis for compliance and ethics programs and what would be the necessary elements for the compliance and ethics …show more content…

The U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines were developed because of the increase in white-collar crime and the government’s determination to place the responsibility for such crime with organizations, than with the individual decision makers. The Sentencing Guidelines encourage due diligence by giving seven elements of a CEP, which will reduce criminal culpability. The guidelines for an institution to establish an effective CEP are: Oversight by high level personnel; Due care in delegating substantial discretionary authority; Effective communication to all levels of employees; Reasonable steps to achieve compliance, which include systems of monitoring, auditing and reporting suspected wrongdoing without fear of reprisal; Consistent enforcement of compliance standards including disciplinary mechanisms; and reasonable steps to respond to and prevent further similar offenses upon detection of a