Author: Randolph Keith Adams

Publisher:

Published: 1976

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13:

Recent disclosures of questionable behavior on the part of leaders of many American institutions have left people disillusioned with professions which once commanded deep respect. The primary objective of this study is to develop a proposed universal code of ethics for managers in response to public demand for a clearer picture of the ethical responsibilities of today's leaders. After reviewing current literature, the author develops concerning the nature, need, widespread use, value, and key contents of ethical codes. Information of currently existing ethical codes, creeds, and related policy was solicited from presidents of 201 large industries selected from the 1975 'Fortune 500' listing. Inquiries were made to executive directors of 24 professional associations, to 44 small industires, and to the ethics committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The proposed Code of Ethics for Progessional managers which this thesis develops is modeled on the information gathered regarding contents, format, scope of coverage, and criteria contained in the aggregation of collected codes. Responsibilities of a manager are classified and addressed in terms of key interest groups as follow: customers, investors, employees, employer, the public, and professional associates. The proposed code is presented as a separate unit within the thesis so it may be extracted for review, discussion, and use.