Anyone who’s ever started a new job and been handed a document titled “Code of Conduct” knows that moment of mild dread — is this a rulebook, a mission statement, or both? The truth is, a code of conduct is the single document that translates an organization’s values into everyday behavior, and getting it right matters more than most companies realize.
Key principles: 5 ·
Codes of conduct: 6 ·
Rules of conduct (RICS): 7 ·
Cs of care: 6
Quick snapshot
- Codes of conduct vary by organization and industry (Institute of Directors (IoD) governance guidance)
- The IoD defines code of conduct as an articulation of standards (Institute of Directors (IoD) governance guidance)
- RICS enforces 7 Rules of Conduct for professionals (RICS regulatory framework)
- The 6 Cs of Care are used in UK healthcare (Flourish Healthcare (UK care provider))
- Whether a universal set of 5 key principles exists
- How many companies actually adopt each framework
- No timeline data available for this topic
- Organizations should review and update codes annually
- Regulatory bodies continue to refine conduct standards
Five frameworks, one pattern: each code of conduct framework organizes its principles differently, but they all converge on the same core values — honesty, accountability, and respect.
This guide compares the major frameworks used by governance bodies, corporations, and healthcare sectors so you can see what actually works.
| Framework | Number of principles | Key focus areas |
|---|---|---|
| Key principles (common) | 5 | Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Respect, Compliance |
| 6 Codes of Conduct (Rippling) | 6 | Code of Ethics, Dress Code, Attendance, Use of Company Resources, Confidentiality, Anti-Harassment |
| 7 Rules of Conduct (RICS) | 7 | Honesty, Integrity, Competence, Service, Respect, Responsibility, Confidentiality |
| 6 Cs of Care (Flourish) | 6 | Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment |
The implication: no single framework fits every organization, but the overlap in values suggests a universal ethical core that all codes share.
What is a code of conduct in a company?
Definition and purpose
A code of conduct is an articulation of the standards that govern an organisation’s conduct and its commitment to responsible practice, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD) (UK governance body). It sets out the rules and values employees are expected to follow and the standards they are expected to uphold. The code directly connects an organisation’s purpose and core values to employee behaviours and practices.
Codes are formal statements of values and practices, as described by EUPATI (European Patients’ Academy). They serve as a reference point for decision-making and behavior across the organization.
Key components of a code of conduct
- A clear statement of how the company chooses to do business (Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm))
- A letter from leadership that sets an inclusive, inspirational tone (Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm))
- Explanations of why employees should care about each topic (Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm))
- Prominent reporting channels with direct links, emails, or phone numbers (Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm))
- Comprehension aids such as decision trees, tips, or definitions of key terms (Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm))
A code without leadership buy-in and clear reporting channels is just a document. Organizations that skip the CEO letter or bury their whistleblower hotline see lower employee trust and weaker compliance outcomes.
The pattern: effective codes are not rule lists — they are communication tools that explain the “why” behind each standard.
What are the 5 key principles of code of conduct?
Common principles across industries
There is no universal set of 5 key principles that applies to every organization. Different frameworks emphasize different values depending on industry, geography, and organizational culture. However, the most commonly cited principles across multiple frameworks include integrity, transparency, accountability, respect, and compliance.
The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) (professional regulatory body) enforces 7 Rules of Conduct as one codified set of principles for its members. These rules include honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect, responsibility, and confidentiality.
Examples of principle frameworks
- RICS 7 Rules of Conduct: Honesty, Integrity, Competence, Service, Respect, Responsibility, Confidentiality (RICS regulatory framework)
- BASF Code of Ethics: BASF’s code includes core principles such as integrity, compliance, and sustainability (BASF (global chemical company) code of conduct)
- 6 Cs of Care: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment (Flourish Healthcare (UK care provider))
The “5 key principles” search is a red herring — no authoritative body has declared a universal five. The number varies because each industry’s risks and values differ. What matters is whether the principles match the organization’s actual operations.
The trade-off: a generic 5-principle framework is easy to remember but may miss industry-specific risks that a tailored code would address.
What are the 6 codes of conduct?
List of common corporate codes
According to Rippling (HR and IT platform), a code of conduct typically covers matters such as confidentiality, harassment, and other workplace conduct issues. The “6 codes of conduct” commonly referenced in corporate settings include:
- Code of Ethics: Establishes core values and principles for decision-making
- Dress Code: Sets expectations for professional appearance
- Attendance: Defines punctuality and absence policies
- Use of Company Resources: Governs how employees use company property and time
- Confidentiality: Protects sensitive company and client information
- Anti-Harassment: Prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace
Codes vary by organization and industry. A tech startup’s code will look different from a healthcare provider’s code because their risks and regulatory environments differ.
Examples from Rippling
Rippling (HR and IT platform) distinguishes a code of ethics as establishing core values, while a code of conduct outlines specific behaviours, rules, and compliance obligations for employees. Their “Best 6 Code of Conduct Examples” list demonstrates how different organizations structure their codes around their unique operational contexts.
The implication: the “6 codes” framework is a useful starting point, but organizations should customize each category to their specific industry and culture.
What are examples of code of conduct?
Corporate codes (BASF)
BASF’s Code of Ethics is a prominent example of a corporate code of conduct. The BASF (global chemical company) code of conduct outlines the company’s commitment to integrity, compliance with laws, and sustainable business practices. It covers areas such as anti-corruption, fair competition, and environmental responsibility.
Industry-specific codes (Healthcare 6 Cs)
The 6 Cs of Care, as described by Flourish Healthcare (UK care provider), are a healthcare-specific code of conduct used in the UK. The 6 Cs stand for:
- Care: Providing person-centered care
- Compassion: Treating patients with empathy and kindness
- Competence: Maintaining professional skills and knowledge
- Communication: Clear and effective interaction with patients and colleagues
- Courage: Speaking up for patient safety and ethical practice
- Commitment: Dedication to improving patient care
Professional codes (RICS rules)
The RICS 7 Rules of Conduct provide a professional code for surveyors and property professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) (professional regulatory body) enforces these rules to ensure members maintain high standards of professional practice.
For further reading, Case IQ (case management software provider) offers 18 Best Code of Conduct Examples covering various industries and organizational types.
The pattern: each example code reflects the specific risks and values of its industry — healthcare emphasizes compassion, real estate emphasizes integrity, and chemical manufacturing emphasizes compliance.
Why is code of conduct important?
Benefits for organizations
A code of conduct sets standards for expected behavior, creating a consistent framework for decision-making across the organization. According to the Institute of Directors (IoD) (UK governance body), a code conveys an organisation’s commitment to responsible practice. This commitment helps attract and retain employees who share the organization’s values.
Legal and ethical compliance
Codes help with regulatory compliance. The Irish Government (Department of Public Expenditure) (government regulatory body) notes that codes of conduct under the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 establish ethical standards for public officials. Similarly, corporate codes help organizations comply with anti-corruption laws, data protection regulations, and industry-specific requirements.
Building trust with stakeholders
A well-implemented code of conduct builds trust with customers, investors, and the public. When stakeholders see that an organization has clear ethical standards and holds employees accountable, they are more likely to engage with that organization. Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm) emphasizes that an effective code communicates principles for behavior and explains why employees should care — this transparency builds credibility.
A code of conduct that sits in a drawer and is never referenced does more harm than good. Employees who see a code but no enforcement quickly learn that ethics are optional. The real test is whether the code is used in onboarding, performance reviews, and daily decision-making.
Why this matters: for organizations in regulated industries, a code of conduct is not optional — it is a compliance requirement. For all others, it signals integrity to customers and talent.
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indeed.com, polonious-systems.com, v-comply.com, whistleblowersecurity.com, youtube.com
For a detailed breakdown of key code of conduct principles and real-world examples used by organizations like BASF and RICS, see key code of conduct principles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a code of conduct and a code of ethics?
A code of ethics is broader and provides principles that guide mindset and decision-making, while a code of conduct is more prescriptive and contains specific rules for behaviour and actions, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD) (UK governance body).
How do you implement a code of conduct in an organization?
Implementation typically involves leadership endorsement, employee training, clear communication of reporting channels, and integration into performance management. Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm) recommends including a letter from leadership and explaining why employees should care about each topic.
Are codes of conduct legally binding?
Codes of conduct are generally not legally binding in themselves, but they can create contractual obligations if incorporated into employment contracts. They also help demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements, such as those under the Irish Government (Department of Public Expenditure) (government regulatory body) Standards in Public Office Act 2001.
What happens if an employee violates the code of conduct?
Consequences vary by organization and severity of violation. Common outcomes include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension, termination, or referral to regulatory bodies for professional misconduct. The code should outline the investigation process and protections against retaliation, as recommended by Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm).
How often should a code of conduct be reviewed?
Best practice is to review the code of conduct annually and update it whenever there are significant changes in regulations, business operations, or organizational structure. Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm) advises that codes should be tailored to an organization’s specific risks, industry, geography, and history.
Can a code of conduct be one page?
Yes, a code of conduct can be one page, especially for small organizations. However, Ethisphere (ethics research and advisory firm) notes that effective codes include comprehension aids such as decision trees, tips, and definitions — which may require more space. The key is clarity and usability, not length.
What are the 7 codes of ethics with examples?
The RICS 7 Rules of Conduct provide one example of a codified set of ethical principles: Honesty, Integrity, Competence, Service, Respect, Responsibility, and Confidentiality (RICS regulatory framework). Other frameworks may include different principles depending on industry and organizational values.
What does BASF stand for?
BASF stands for Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik, a German chemical company. Their code of conduct is available on their BASF (global chemical company) code of conduct page.
For organizations building or updating their code of conduct, the choice between frameworks is clear: adopt a framework that matches your industry’s risks and your organization’s values, or create a tailored code that addresses both. Compliance officers and HR leaders should recognize that a generic code copied from another company will fail — employees can tell when the rules don’t fit the work they actually do.
Ethan Cooper is Senior Reporter at Oz Insightlab, covering breaking stories and explainers.