What is crucial for program success in an organization’s ethics and compliance?

For a successful ethics and compliance program, it is essential that employees understand core values. This foundational knowledge shapes the organization's culture and ensures that all employees are aligned with the ethical standards and expectations of the organization. When employees are aware of and embrace the organization's core values, they are more likely to make ethical decisions in their daily work and uphold compliance standards.

Understanding core values fosters a shared sense of purpose and responsibility, encouraging employees to act in ways that support ethical conduct and compliance with laws and regulations. This collective understanding can lead to a more transparent environment where employees feel empowered to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.

While focusing on productivity, maximizing profit margins, or developing customer relationships are all important aspects of running an organization, they can become detrimental if they overshadow the fundamental importance of ethics and compliance. If the workplace environment lacks a robust understanding of core values, it can lead to significant ethical breaches, compliance failures, and ultimately damage the organization's reputation and sustainability.