Marketing Codes of Ethics:Morals and ethics exist in several shades of gray. However, when it comes down to the ethics of advertising, the employee and employer must concrete on set of rules and follow when advertising to their consumers. Codes of Ethics which every marketing employee must be aware are few given below: Responsibility as a spokesman – Do not mislead the advertising or method of performance or comparison, whether it is directly or indirectly to the product or service, should not be misinterpreted by producers, service, marketing programs or any other misleading representation.
Support of Claims ” Marketers must be able to substantiate the basis for any performance, efficacy or length of life claim or comparison and must not imply a scientific, factual or statistical basis where none exists. Use the Word Free ” Products or services offered without cost or obligation on the part of the consumer or business may be described as free, or similar. Protection of the Environment – Marketers knows and allow a continuing responsibility to manage their businesses to minimize environmental impact.
This management should include the use of: targeted marketing techniques to improve the efficiency of addressed and unaddressed direct mail, printed advertising, brochures and inserts; environmentally friendly product packaging and shipping materials; recycled papers and environmentally benign inks and other materials; materials recycling programs; and the active encouragement of environmental responsibility among members of the business society or community. In inclusion, marketers must use CMA’s Do Not Mail Service for consumer campaigns to reduce unwanted mailings, and thereby reduce wasted materials. Responsibilities of Service Providers ” Suppliers, Media, Call Centers and Advertising/Marketing Communications Agencies. In their position as suppliers to marketers and as major contributors to the marketing industry, service providers are responsible for upholding the highest standards of professionalism and business conduct. Provide Substantiated Evidence ” Related closely to the truth, ethical advertising ensures that any claims are substantiated by scientific evidence when possible. When dealing with health products, over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements, it’s especially important to provide solid backing for any claims or testimonials. The evidence needs to be objective. Americans spend billions of dollars in this area each year, so it’s imperative to meet ethical guidelines when advertising these kinds of products or services.Marketing Codes of Conducts:For the marketers to become more dedicated and responsible there are few Marketing codes of conduct to be followed, for instance, in company like Google titled Code of Conduct and posted on their parent company’s website. As an employee we wanted to know about few codes of conduct as follow: Offering Gifts ” Employee want to avoid the possibility that the gift, entertainment, or other business courtesy could be perceived as a bribe, so it’s always best to provide such business courtesies infrequently and, when we do, to keep their value moderate. Receiving Gifts ” Google’s Non-Government Related Gifts & Client Entertainment Policy provides specific guidance on when it is appropriate for Googlers to accept gifts, entertainment, or any other business courtesy from any of our competitors or business partners. Competitor Information ” If an opportunity arises to take advantage of a competitor’s or former employer’s confidential information, don’t do it. Friends and Relatives ” Don’t tell your significant other or family members anything confidential, and don’t solicit confidential information from them about their company. Respect in the workplace – All employees should respect their colleagues. We won’t allow any kind of discriminatory behavior, harassment or victimization. Employees should conform with our equal opportunity policy in all aspects of their work, from recruitment and performance evaluation to interpersonal relations. Protection of Company Property ” Employees should treat company’s property, whether material or intangible, with respect and care. Employees shouldn’t misuse company equipment or use it frivolously. Should respect all kinds of incorporeal property. This includes trademarks, copyright and other property (information, reports etc.) Employees should use them only to complete their job duties. Professionalism ” All employees must show integrity and professionalism in the workplace. Personal appearance ” All employees must follow our dress code and personal appearance guidelines. Corruption ” Employees are discouraged from accepting gifts from clients or partners. Companies prohibit briberies for the benefit of any external or internal party. Absenteeism and tardiness ” Employees should follow their schedules. We can make exceptions for occasions that prevent employees from following standard working hours or days. But, generally, we expect employees to be punctual when coming to and leaving from work.Conclusion: In the conclusion, the main aspect of saying is that the pursuit of social responsibility and ethical marketing does not automatically translate into increased profit, it is still the responsible of an employee as well as an employer to ensure it is reason for its actions and their impact on society is always influenced. Marketers are source to build the society and country better and should be focused only on ethical ways of conducting work done which is beneficial for both the organization and consumers. So that end of the day we get Happy Customers?