How a Code of Conduct Builds a Strong and Secure IT Culture

Culture is an umbrella term for the thought patterns and behaviors shared by a group of people. We talk about Norwegian culture, subculture, and corporate culture.

Cultures can arise spontaneously or be shaped by unwritten rules and guidelines. A house rule can be as simple as: "When we play Ludo at the cabin, it's always the youngest who starts." But surprisingly, that's not the case in all families – some draw lots to start, while others go for the first come, first served.

For the game night to be successful and free of arguments, we need rules of play. The rules of play define the framework, while the house rules are small adjustments tailored to the setting. In a company, a Code of Conduct functions as the house rules – it may be long, but at the same time explanatory and crucial for a safe and effective IT culture.

Code of Conduct as the House Rules

The Code of Conduct is the document that defines the company's expectations for how employees should behave in their daily lives. It reflects the organization's overall corporate culture, core values, and daily operations.

The house rules aim to uphold the organization’s market position, integrity, and protect risk areas. And it turns out that the most effective way to do this is by creating an inclusive IT culture! And to create an inclusive IT culture that aligns with the company's other objectives, expectations and house rules must be defined by management.

It is important to remember that an inclusive IT culture is not created by a Code of Conduct alone – it must also be built through social and professional arenas. This can include kick-offs, training, seminars, internal competitions, and similar activities.

We encourage all companies – regardless of size – to create a Code of Conduct. The goal is to make the core values and ethical perspectives available to employees, so that they continuously work towards a common goal. It does not have to be long or complicated. It is better to have something than to have nothing at all.

The Benefits of a Code of Conduct

A good IT culture consists of a set of values, norms, and perceptions of reality. The values are what is perceived as important to work towards, the norms are the social rules that determine which attitudes, actions, and behaviors are deemed acceptable or unacceptable. And the perception of reality is the employees' view of what is happening around them.

The combination of these points will make employees feel responsible and a sense of ownership over their own company, and the value sets will slowly but surely become a natural extension of the choices employees make. This can become visible through the demands placed on quality and deliveries, how and what governs processes, and the internal security routines.

What Can Happen if the Company Has a Code of Conduct?

• The company can have a greater influence on employees' attitudes towards their own workday

• Reduced absenteeism is reflected by employees who thrive and have a clear purpose

• Projects and collaborations (internally and externally) progress more favorably

• Purchases and investments align with the company's house rules

• Partners and suppliers are selected based on the company's values

• Employees help protect areas vulnerable to data attacks through simple security routines in their daily work

• Increased reputation provides opportunities for a stronger market position

Learn more about how we can help your company with IT security and how to build a strong internal IT culture.