Many organizations use a code of ethics to clarify organizational policy and avoid ethical failures. Some attempt to adopt the same strategy for Christian leaders. The following is an exploration of the code of ethics concept for application in the Universal Church. Although tempting, the code of ethics concept used in secular organizations is not as efficacious as the code of values system presented in scripture. Global Code Feasibility A code of ethics is a formal document that defines the ideal behavior expected of individuals affiliated with an organization (Andrade, Hamza, & Xara-Brasil, 2017). It is used to form, build, and protect an organization’s reputation by limiting affiliates’ ethical options (Adelstein & Clegg, 2016; Andrade …show more content…
Consistent understanding of a code of values is possible globally insofar as one accepts differences in expression. If the Church were to abandon the code of values presented by the Bible and adopt a code of ethics, it would have to be both developed and enforced (Adelstein & Clegg, 2016). Creation of a code of ethics is usually a responsibility of managers and upper-level leaders based on their priorities and not the priorities of the people. Recommended development of a code of ethics involves both leadership and employees to ensure alignment with existing values and promote internalization of the code (Adelstein & Clegg, 2016; Andrade et al., 2017). However, the only way to safeguard continued behavior alignment is through enforcement and …show more content…
In a secular organization, a code of ethics gives direction to employees to provide legal protection for the organization’s reputation (Adelstein & Clegg, 2016). The application of a global code of ethics in the Universal Church setting faces significant obstacles. Codes of ethics are used extensively in organizations around the world. However, their influence is limited to members of the specified organization or industry. Members of these organizations and industries have a shared identity that binds them together. They recognize that they belong to the organization or industry and are willing to give up personal freedoms for the greater goal of protecting a job or reputation (Andrade & Hamza, 2017; Branson et al.,