Final answer:
The statement is false; a code of ethics or code of conduct alone is not sufficient for a comprehensive companywide ethics program. Such programs also require a supportive culture, training, compliance mechanisms, and enforcement protocols. A robust ethics program integrates these elements with the written code.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that a code of ethics or code of conduct are the only components needed in a companywide ethics program is false. While essential, these codes only provide a framework for ethical behavior. A comprehensive ethics program also requires training, compliance mechanisms, reporting systems, enforcement protocols, and a culture that supports ethical conduct.
Furthermore, professional organizations across various fields, such as the IEEE-CS for software engineers, provide industry-specific ethical codes that outline obligations to ensure the safety, privacy, and well-being of society. These codes are tied to larger moral theories and political debate, determining the outcomes of ethical actions.
Corporate responsibility extends beyond just adhering to a code; it encompasses a full spectrum of practices that ensure legal adherence and ethical integrity. This includes addressing concrete issues like bribery, discrimination, whistleblowing, and also broader environmental and social goals. Thus, ethical business practices necessitate an expansive approach, integrating written codes with broader organizational strategies and actions.
Ultimately, ethical behavior within businesses and technology is not solely determined by written codes but is a dynamic process involving a deeper understanding and application of moral principles and laws. Businesses must embrace an all-encompassing approach to ethics that integrates these codes with a consistent commitment to moral conduct throughout the organization