• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Dscoop Post-Show Coverage

    Slitter-Rewinders

    Craft Beer Labels

    Pharmaceutical Labels

    Luminer Converting Group: Narrow Web Profile
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Five approaches for more sustainable beauty packaging

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    LemuGroup prepares for Open House in Spain

    Appvion invests in new coating equipment

    Phoenix Challenge Foundation announces High School winners
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Five approaches for more sustainable beauty packaging

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks

    Flexo Wash introduces FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Meech International

    KTI

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    QC Electronics, Inc.

    SCENTISPHERE, LLC
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    The Bottom Line

    Make your ethical framework simple and memorable

    ...

    Related CONTENT
    • Highlights from Day 4 at Labelexpo Europe
    • Highlights from Day 3 at Labelexpo Europe
    • Jindal Films reveals label recycling advancements
    • Highlights from Day 2 at Labelexpo Europe
    • Dantex highlights PicoColour
    Rock LaManna10.11.19
    If your company is like most, your employees are winging it when it comes to integrity and ethics.

    We may think our people are internally equipped to handle ethical issues at work, but they should not have to guess what to do. It is the responsibility and role of the business owner to give employees a strong framework for what we consider to be ethical behavior. Yet it is rare when a company communicates where it stands on ethical matters.

    Furthermore, owners often assume that all employees operate from a common and “known” set of ethical beliefs. The fact is, employees do not share similar ethical backgrounds. An individual’s personal beliefs should not be the basis for making ethical decisions that affect the entire company.

    A framework is needed -- one that is simple and memorable that can guide employee behavior in work situations. A framework is a general principle that guides behavior and is a compass when a situation falls into a gray area. Think about the Hippocratic Oath, which is a guideline used by physicians to measure each ethical situation against a benchmark: do right by the patient and do no harm to the profession.

    A framework should address diversity
    Expectations for employee behavior around ethics is challenging. We each come to the table with different backgrounds, religious beliefs, moral training, cultural heritage, family norms and personal experience.

    For that reason, employers must make their ethical position crystal clear so employees understand how to assess situations on the job. A company’s ethical framework should be specifically aligned to the company’s values while recognizing and appreciating employee diversity.

    A framework is not an employee handbook
    Of course, each company should have an employee handbook that lays out rules, expectations, how to file grievances, consequences of misbehavior and so forth. While an employee handbook can cover ethical behavior, it is a business document primarily designed to protect the employer, not to educate an employee how to act in ethical situations.

    In addition, an employee handbook is a complex document. It is not an easy resource to use in a moment of ethical dilemma. A framework, on the other hand, can guide employees in all kinds of situations. If it is simple and well-written, it can act as an overarching operating principle.

    A framework should not be complex
    An ethical framework is not a legal document or set of complicated rules. It must, however, cover many ethical situations. It must be general enough that, in a heated or stressful moment with a customer or vendor, the employee can recall its essence and make choices confidently.

    Here are examples of ethical frameworks:
    • “ We Believe” framework. Make a list of ethical high points that start with the phrase “We believe…”
    • “ The Greater Good” framework. Create a very broad statement that tests behavior against the benefit or detriment to society, such as: “Every employee, from our newest hire to our founder, is expected to act in a way that reflects well on the organization and contributes to the greater good of society and the world.”
    • “Golden Rule” framework. Center your framework around the principle of treating others as you would wish to be treated.
    • “The Founding Story” framework. Write a story that shows how the ethics of the founder shaped the company, guided the hiring of employees, and laid the foundation for success.
    • “ The Peace of Mind” framework. Let employees know that if they act in good faith according to the guiding principles of the framework, the company will support their decision and “have their back.”
    • “The Ultimate Test” framework. Have a statement that fills in the blank,  “When all else fails…” and let employees know this is the option of last resort when they have exhausted all others.
    A framework should be built to last
    A framework should be constructed so it can be a bridge between transitions. If the owner sells the business or an important manager leaves the company, the essential framework should be able to survive. In fact, the framework can guide the new owner or manager.

    Major changes to the framework should be done thoughtfully. In many companies, the employees are involved in the development and evolution of the framework, as is often done in the creation of employee handbooks.
    However, the framework should always reflect the company’s core mission and values and not be a hodgepodge of employee beliefs.

    A framework – part of the company fabric
    To embed your ethical framework into the culture of the company, it helps to:

    COMMUNICATE on signs, in a slogan, in the corporate email signature, and anywhere employees spend time.
    WRITE a regular column about ethics and integrity in the company newsletter.
    CREATE memorable, bite-sized stories of ethical behavior.
    WEAVE the greater story into goal setting and training sessions, management meetings, and morale building exercises.
    DISPLAY books on ethics and integrity in the company library.
    HIRE top speakers and consultants to help you further deepen your commitment.
    VOICE your commitment publicly and ask for accountability from outside the company.
    INCORPORATE ethics and integrity into your visual branding.

    When your framework is interconnected into the day-to-day activities of the company, employees at all levels are more likely to internalize the principles.

    A framework should signal your intent
    In everything you do, your ethical framework should back up and reinforce your intention to be a company of integrity.
    • Choose partners and suppliers that have stated goals for integrity.
    • Build business processes so that acting with integrity is gratifying.
    • Even before employees join the company, communicate where you stand on ethics so they can opt out if they feel they can’t meet your standards.
    • Create redundancies, just as you would for quality control in manufacturing, so that a slip in judgment or an honest error won’t cause harm to the company or your reputation.
    As you continue to incorporate integrity into your brand, realize that customers and those outside your company will be watching to see if you keep your promises.

    A framework should support the entire organization
    Employees will expect you to walk the talk when it comes to the ethical goals of the company. They will scrutinize everything. They will observe how the framework is developed, introduced, communicated, embedded and – especially – how it is “lived.”  The owner and management team  must be held to the highest standards.

    Small infractions at the top levels in the company will be magnified and judged more harshly, at least in the beginning. Once everyone is rowing in the same direction and people are proud to operate within the framework, then you can begin to work on compassionate responses as people go through the learning process.

    As always, integrity starts at the top. There are no shortcuts. Building a long-lasting ethical framework is like pouring the foundation for a house that is meant to last. Plan what you’d like the results to look like, choose the best elements, follow excellent processes, and don’t rush. Being an ethical company means your framework must support and guide everyone – and demonstrate the organization’s highest ideals, both now and in the future. Build it to last... because integrity matters.


    Rock LaManna helps label, printing and graphics company owners make better decisions. If you are ready to sell your business or improve your bottom line, integrity matters! Email Rock@ RockLaManna for a confidential discussion.
    Related Searches
    • quality control
    • people
    • graphics
    • support
    Suggested For You
    Highlights from Day 4 at Labelexpo Europe Highlights from Day 4 at Labelexpo Europe
    Highlights from Day 3 at Labelexpo Europe Highlights from Day 3 at Labelexpo Europe
    Jindal Films reveals label recycling advancements Jindal Films reveals label recycling advancements
    Highlights from Day 2 at Labelexpo Europe Highlights from Day 2 at Labelexpo Europe
    Dantex highlights PicoColour Dantex highlights PicoColour
    M+A Insider: Confessions of an Operations Man M+A Insider: Confessions of an Operations Man
    All the little lies All the little lies
    EmployBridge conducts employee survey EmployBridge conducts employee survey
    TLMI releases operator hiring toolkits TLMI releases operator hiring toolkits
    The Printer The Printer's Edge: What do I do next? Retirement?
    'Half-in-half-out' can be a dangerous position
    Hiring Grandma: Altering workforce assumptions to consider different solutions Hiring Grandma: Altering workforce assumptions to consider different solutions
    When bad behavior infects your company, integrity is the cure When bad behavior infects your company, integrity is the cure
    Channeled Resources Group hosts open house in Wisconsin Channeled Resources Group hosts open house in Wisconsin
    OMNI Systems named a 2019 Best Employer in Ohio OMNI Systems named a 2019 Best Employer in Ohio

    Related Content

    • Europe
      Highlights from Day 4 at Labelexpo Europe

      Highlights from Day 4 at Labelexpo Europe

      Big crowds packed the halls in Brussels, Belgium, as attendees visited more than 600 exhibitors.
      10.01.19

    • Highlights from Day 3 at Labelexpo Europe

      Highlights from Day 3 at Labelexpo Europe

      The event continued to see big crowds, as attendees visited more than 600 exhibitors.
      09.27.19

    • Jindal Films reveals label recycling advancements

      The Label-Lyte LLC platform lets brand owners reduce their use of plastic in existing packaging.
      09.26.19


    • Highlights from Day 2 at Labelexpo Europe

      Highlights from Day 2 at Labelexpo Europe

      Suppliers showcase their newest products to the labels and packaging industry in Brussels.
      09.26.19

    • Dantex highlights PicoColour

      Dantex highlights PicoColour

      The press, which is on display at Labelexpo Europe, has transformed the business at Cresta Labels.


      Breaking News
      • Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
      • Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
      • SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
      • Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      • FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Dscoop Post-Show Coverage
      • Slitter-Rewinders
      • Craft Beer Labels
      • Pharmaceutical Labels
      • Luminer Converting Group

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support
      Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan
      Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      DIC’s Indian Subsidiary Begins Construction of Coating Resins Production Facility
      Celanese Declares Force Majeure on Acetyl Chain and Acetate Tow Products
      CPI Announces New Hybrid Professional Development Program for 2022
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Linear Health Sciences’ Orchid SRV Receives FDA & Health Canada Approval
      Vivasure Medical Raises $23 Million in Series D Financing Round
      New Patents Add Value to Know Labs' Bio-RFID Tech
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Evotec SE and Sernova Corp Announce Partnership in the Field of Diabetes
      Emergex COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Successfully Coated onto Zosano Micro-Needle Patch
      Thabor Therapeutics Appoints Jérémie Mariau as CEO
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Aveda is Leaping Bunny Approved by Cruelty Free International
      Smashbox Expands Becca Highlighter Collection
      Bite Beauty Is Closing Later This Year
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Filipino Cosmetics Company Sunnies Face Enters US Market
      Selig Group Names Adam Sheridan Next President
      Nautica Introduces Oceans Pacific Coast Vegan & Sustainable Fine Fragrance Collection
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Nazdar Ink Technologies to Manufacture VFP Ink Technologies Electronic Inks for US
      Sun Chemical Heads to Flexo and Labels 2022
      PETRONAS Chemicals Group to Acquire Perstorp Group
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
      Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
      SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      H&V Appoints Vice President and General Counsel
      The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart
      Jim Cree Joins Monadnock Nonwovens
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Paragon 28 Launches Grappler Suture Anchor System
      Paul Stellato Appointed Chief Accounting Officer at Zimmer Biomet
      DuPuy Synthes’ INHANCE Shoulder System Cleared by FDA for Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Jabil Strengthens Additive Manufacturing Offerings
      Avery Dennison, Wiliot Partner to Build and Scale the Future of IoT
      HP Delivers Enhanced Platform Capabilities to Accelerate Additive Manufacturing Production at Scale

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login