Moving to a Values-Based Approach to Corporate Codes of Conduct

Is your code practical and powerful enough to address today’s issues?

Many larger companies, and virtually all public companies, have adopted a code of conduct. These codes typically are designed and written by lawyers and can be tedious to wade through. As a result, their impact on the day-to-day behavior of corporate employees is questionable. Boards should consider revisiting their approach to these prolix documents in light of the convergence of several current trends — the debate over the proper role of stakeholder versus shareholder interests; ESG matters; and criticisms of corporate inaction in the face of the many challenges faced by the nation in the past year.

Already a subscriber? Sign In

About the Author(s)

Doug Raymond

Doug Raymond is a partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (www.faegredrinker.com). He can be reached at douglas.raymond@faegredrinker.com.


Related Articles

Navigate the Boardroom

Sign up for the Directors & Boards weekly newsletter for the latest news, trends and analysis impacting public company boardrooms.