This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from one of Transparency International’s national chapters. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
Can you provides good practice examples of codes of conducts for SMEs ?
Purpose
We are planning to start a new research on codes of conduct for SMEs. As Hungarian SMEs are lacking good examples, we would like to compile international best practices and offer the companies paths and codes to follow.
Content
1. Overview of underlying principles
2. Examples of codes of conduct for SMEs
3. References
Summary
As the bulk of business in most economies is conducted by SMEs, there are major potential benefits associated with implementing ethics management programmes within small and middle sized firms. Codes of conduct constitute a central element of business ethics programmes to ensure that the company’s activities comply with relevant laws and regulations and provide adequate guidance to employees and other key stakeholders on what behaviours and business conduct are expected of them. This answer provides a few examples of codes of conduct specifically developed for SMEs as well as examples of business ethics related activities conducted by TI national chapters that specifically target SMEs.
Authors
Marie Chêne, Transparency International, [email protected]Reviewers
Robin Hodess, Transparency International, [email protected]Date
23/05/2012
