Code of ethics and conduct in the light of corporate governance: the stakeholders' perspective

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/1983465954702

Keywords:

Corporate Governance, Code of Ethics and Conduct, Anticorruption, Stakeholders, Society.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the theme "Code of Ethics and Conduct" in private or public organizations, considering the relationship between ethical issues and good practices in Corporate Governance, measures that subsidize the planning and strengthening of ethical cultures in the interpersonal context.

Design / methodology / approach: The descriptive survey relied on the application of questionnaires and obtained 184 responses from organizations of various types. The study was carried out using codes of conduct made available by companies on their websites, characterized as primary sources. The data collected were worked in the SPSS, tabulated and presented as results in the form of tables or graphs, with appropriate analyses.

Findings: The results show the adoption of good practices of integrity, especially on the Code of Ethics and Conduct. The adoption of an ethical code can be considered a way to formalize, encourage and guide responsible behavior among employees and organizations. Seen from the outside, it contributes to creating and maintaining a good corporate reputation and stakeholder trust. In this sense, the reasons behind the creation of a code have been stated in the Shareholders' Theory, the Legitimacy Theory and the Stakeholder Theory.

Originality / value: The Code of Ethics and Conduct arises as an instrument to guide ethical behavior in organizations. Therefore, it is the declaration of the set of rights, duties, business conduct towards stakeholders, reflecting the culture and set of norms that enrich the company's decision-making processes and guide its behavior.

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Author Biographies

Renato Rodrigues da Silva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG/ Master's degree in Health Services Management

Graduated in Health Services Management (Federal University of Minas Gerais - 2013), Specialist in People Management (Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais - 2014), Specialist in Project Management (University Center UNA - 2015), Certified as Expert in Compliance (ARC SP - 2018 Institute) and as a specialist in Compliance by the LEC Certification Board / FGV. Specializing in Health Care Network Management (Fiocruz - 2018), Master in Health Services Management (Federal University of Minas Gerais).

Ruan Carlos dos Santos, Centro Universitário UNIAVAN (Avantis)/ Professor Ecole Nationale D'Administration (ENA-Brasil)/Professor e Docente Credenciado Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI)/Doutorando em Administração

Bachelor in Philosophy from the University of Southern Santa Catarina (2006). Full Degree in Philosophy and Social Sciences by Faculdade Entre Rios do Piauí - FAERPI (2018). Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Faculdade Católica de Santa Catarina - FACASC/ITESC (2008). Specialization and MBA in Strategic Business Management from Faculdade Porto das Águas - FAPAG (2012). Specialization in Philosophy and Sociology Teaching Methodology from Faculdade de Administração, Ciências, Educação e Letras - FACEL (2018). MBA in Corporate Governance from UnIBF (2019). Specialization in Auditing and Accounting Expertise from UnIBF (2020). Specialization in Administration, Supervision and School Coordination from UniBF (2020). Bachelor's Degree in Administration from UniFCV (20212). Master in Administration - UNIVALI (2015-2017). Doctoral student in Administration - UIVALI. Participant in the Research Group - GEEP - Strategy and Performance Study Group - led by Prof. Dr. Rosilene Marcon. High School Teacher at SED-SC in the subjects of Philosophy. Teacher and Tutor at UniAvan in the Course of Technology in Financial Management. Accredited consultant/teacher at ENA (Ecole Nationale D'Administration - Brazil).

Antonia Márcia Rodrigues Sousa, Universidade Federal do Ceará –UFC/ Professora Adjunta

PhD in Business Administration from the University of Fortaleza - UNIFOR; Master's degree in Administration from the Federal University of Ceará-UFC; Specialization in Human Resources Management by Vale do Acaraú State University-UVA; Specialization in Institutional Psychopedagogy from Universidade Gama Filho. Graduation in Administration from the State University Vale do Acaraú-UVA; Graduation in Letters by the State University Vale do Acaraú-UVA.

Lidinei Éder Orso, URI/ Professor Collaborating in Business Administration UNVALI/Master in Business Administration

Graduated in Accounting Sciences from URI - Integrated Regional University of Alto Uruguai and Missões (2005). Post-graduation "lato sensu" Executive MBA in Finance from IMED / ICSEC Meridional Faculty (2010) and a Master's degree in Business Administration from UNIVALI - Universidade do Vale of Itajaí (2018). She is a participant in the Study Group on Strategy and Performance (GEEP), led by Prof. Dr. Rosilene Marcon, professor of higher education and employee of Banco do Brasil SA. He has experience in Financial Administration, Capital Markets, Accounting, Controlling, International Economics and Logistics.

Saleh Fadel Ahmad Khatib, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia/PhD in Accounting and Finance

PhD scholar at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He has published several scholarly articles in various domestic and international peer reviewed journals and participated in many international conferences. His researches can be found in Business Strategy and The Environment, environmental impact assessment review, and Journal of Asian Finance Economics and Business. His research interests are related to the Corporate governance, Auditing, Firm performance, Financial policy, Capital structure, Cash holdings, Dividends, Disclosure quality, and Corporate social responsibility. Khatib earned his M.S. in finance from Limkokwing university in Malaysia in 2018.

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Published

2021-06-29

How to Cite

Silva, R. R. da, Santos, R. C. dos, Sousa, A. M. R., Orso, L. Éder, & Khatib, S. F. A. (2021). Code of ethics and conduct in the light of corporate governance: the stakeholders’ perspective. Revista De Administração Da UFSM, 14(2), 405–422. https://doi.org/10.5902/1983465954702

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Vol. 14 No. 2 (2021): Apr-Jun

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