Compliance and Ethics Programs

Overview

Successful organizations have long recognized legal and ethical conduct is synonymous with good business. Implementing sound business practices that are compliant with the law and support ethical conduct are viewed as safe guards against legal, reputational and market risk. Increasing regulatory demands and calls by shareholders for greater transparency and accountability have resulted in organizations formalizing their compliance and ethics approach by developing policies, processes and practices that are designed to promote a commitment to comply with the law and encourage ethical conduct.

However, compliance and ethics programs on their own won’t ensure whether an organization is meeting its objectives, executing on its business model or performing as expected. Organizations need to look beyond the confines of the legal and voluntary boundaries in which they operate and develop a high-performing capability which allows for: a) a consistent operational approach, b) effective coordination of personnel, c) a technology architecture which enables greater visibility, communications and proactive action around business compliance objectives.

Page is under development in connection with the Open Compliance and Ethics Group.

Test Date: 10/31/06.