Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics

Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics by Allyson Frazier

Evaluation of a Business Code of Ethics

An ethical code, a code of conduct or a code of ethics defines a company's values, responsibilities, objective, ethos, and business style. The Boeing Company is a vast company of astonishing people who adhere to these ethics. This has not been the case as Boeing has had its share of ethical breaches in the past years; however, as a proactive company Boeing focuses on recommitting to ethics, its code of conduct and ethical challenges at once a year mandatory instruction. Boeing’s mission is a combination of values, vision, and business essentials that help preserve their tradition of imagination, innovation, and future ambitions.

Boeing is the leading aerospace company in the world and is the chief manufacturer of military and commercial aircraft, and defense systems. The Boeing Company was established in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. To meet customer needs the company continues to expand its services and products. Boeing has approximately 174,000 employees across the United States and 70 other countries. Between 1995 and 2001, Boeing obtained Rockwell, joined forces with McDonnell Douglas, and procured Hughes Space and Communications and moved its corporate headquarters to Chicago, Illinois. This required Boeing to integrate within its organization the different traditions, values, and methods of each of these organizations with its own values, vision, and business essentials.

Boeing’s mission-like statement is: “We are constantly re- examining our capabilities and processes to ensure that our company is as strong and vital as our heritage. In fact, our culture mirrors the heritage of aviation itself, built on a foundation of innovation, aspiration and imagination.” Boeing’s ethical system is Duty-based: A moral obligation or commitments to act in a certain manner with clear right and wrong determined by an outside authority (Key terms University of Phoenix (2012). Duty-based ethic, which is called deontology by philosophers places emphases on the act and not the consequence. Methods are tight on obligation meaning employees of Boeing believes that the highest benefit comes from doing what they are supposed to do or because they agreed to Boeing’s policies. What matters is "doing your duty."

Boeing uses its codes of ethics to remind employees of guidelines concerning ethical business conduct. The Code of Conduct also aids employees in guidance and answering questions regarding compliance with Boeing’s standards and values. Boeing employees will conduct business honestly, ethically, and in total conformity with regulations and rulings. Integrity must encourage associations between Boeing, communities, customers,