Ethics in the Boardroom guide cover. Scales of justice in a hand, symbolizing ethical decision-making for directors. Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ethics in the Boardroom: A Decision-Making Guide for Directors

TYPE:THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

CATEGORY: GOVERNANCE

PUBLISHED:OCT 2019

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Ethics in the Boardroom: A Decision-Making Guide for Directors

The role of a director in governing an organisation is made more complex by a myriad of ethical issues that impact on board decision-making. Boardroom practices are also central to setting the right tone and values throughout an organisation.

Ethics in the Boardroom: A Decision-Making Guide has been developed in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Designed to support directors in considering ethical issues as they discharge their duties, it invites them to view the decisions they come up against through four key lenses.

This report is a vital resource for directors as a general reference, should be utilised by boards to strengthen their capacity in ethics, and by individual directors and boards alike to inform conversations about the complex issues they encounter in their roles.

"The the board of a corporation is, in effect, its mind and conscience. All that a corporation does and its effects on the world, is ultimately traced back to directors and their deliberations."

DR SIMON LONGSTAFF AO

WHATS INSIDE?

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Understanding Ethics
Isometric view of a white rectangle, angled from the lower left to the upper right, against a solid dark teal background.
Perspectives to frame board conversations
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A decision making framework
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General influences
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The board’s collective culture and character
White semi-circle shape on a teal background. Arch design element. Abstract graphic. Minimalist illustration. Simple geometric form.
Interpersonal relationships and reasoning
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The individual director
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Practical Examples

Whats inside the guide?

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AUTHORS

Authors

Ethics in the Boardroom: The Ethics Centre logo on a black background. White text and geometric shapes frame the words.

The Ethics Centre

The Ethics Centre is a not-for-profit organisation developing and delivering innovative programs, services and experiences, designed to bring ethics to the centre of personal and professional life. Our activities span ethics consulting and leadership for organisations from all sectors and of all sizes, Ethi-call, our free ethics helpline, live events, and advocacy campaigns. Our work brings people together to build their skills and capacity to live and act according to their values.

Australian Institute of Company Directors logo. Media includes resources for company directors in Australia.

Australian Institute of Company Directors

The Australian Institute of Company Directors is committed to strengthening society through world-class governance. They aim to be the independent and trusted voice of governance, building the capability of a community of leaders for the benefit of society. Their membership of more than 45,000, includes directors and senior leaders from business, government and the not-for-profit sectors.

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Media: Ethics in the Boardroom guide cover. Green scales of justice on a hand, symbolizing ethical decision-making for company directors.