Code of Ethics Missing

[Guest Jenny]

I recently asked what Code of Ethics was in effect for our board, and one of the board members said one was adopted 10 or do years ago, but that probably only one person on the board would remember or even know about it.

Another has been introduced but not adopted.

What if there is resistance to adopting it, or trouble locating the supposedly existing one?

Shouldn't there always be a code of ethics in place? This board is currently having some ethical issues that I am very concerned about.

[Guest Jenny]

Also, if there is no code of ethics currently in place does that mean that the board members right now don't have to follow one, and can do whatever they want?

[Hieu H. Huynh]

It will ultimately be up to your organization to decide on a code of ethics. RONR says, "In most societies it is understood that members are required to be of honorable character and reputation, and certain types of associations may have particular codes of ethics to enforce." (p. 643) This statement starts Chapter XX "Disciplinary Procedures" in RONR, which may be the chapter to read to address your concerns.

[George Mervosh]

I recently asked what Code of Ethics was in effect for our board, and one of the board members said one was adopted 10 or do years ago, but that probably only one person on the board would remember or even know about it.

Another has been introduced but not adopted.

What if there is resistance to adopting it, or trouble locating the supposedly existing one?

Shouldn't there always be a code of ethics in place? This board is currently having some ethical issues that I am very concerned about.

 

In addition to Mr. Huynh's post, you won't  need to locate the existing one.  Just propose a replacement.  It will take a majority vote to adopt if previous notice is given, a 2/3 vote to adopt without such notice, or a vote of a majority of the entire board will adopt it as well.  This all assumes the Board adopted it to begin with.  The Board can't change it if the membership adopted it.

[Edgar Guest]

. . . one of the board members said one was adopted 10 or so years ago . . .

Then there should be something in the minutes of the meeting when it was adopted. Needless to say, a Code of Ethics is probably something you'd want to make sure each new board member is familiar with.

 

Shouldn't there always be a code of ethics in place?

No. Most people behave reasonably well without a formal code of ethics. And those people who don't won't be stopped by a code of ethics.

 

Everything you need to know about ethics you should have learned in kindergarten.

[Guest Jenny]

I appreciate the thought that everyone should behave in a decent and upstanding manner, but what about those people who bring their opinions to the board and votes with only their specific likes or dislikes in mind? Would doing something like that be considered a violation of ethical behavior?

For instance a board member who lives amongst a certain kind of tree has found they have a very specific dislike for those trees, and is voting down care and maintenance and planting of more of that type of tree on the property. This person rejects facts, questions legitimate reports, questions any factual information that goes against her own specific opinions. This person also makes up information and report it in the meetings as if it's real, and then rejects factual information that disputes it, or discounts it, or cuts off or rushes the person who is stating such information. A couple of other board members do similar things and have similar opinions, but aren't as strong voiced as the one is.

[Guest Jenny]

Just a note this is a homeowners association Board of Directors that I'm referring to.

[Josh Martin]

I appreciate the thought that everyone should behave in a decent and upstanding manner, but what about those people who bring their opinions to the board and votes with only their specific likes or dislikes in mind? Would doing something like that be considered a violation of ethical behavior?

 

No. The appropriate way to deal with that behavior is by voting for someone else when the next election rolls around.

 

For instance a board member who lives amongst a certain kind of tree has found they have a very specific dislike for those trees, and is voting down care and maintenance and planting of more of that type of tree on the property. This person rejects facts, questions legitimate reports, questions any factual information that goes against her own specific opinions. This person also makes up information and report it in the meetings as if it's real, and then rejects factual information that disputes it, or discounts it, or cuts off or rushes the person who is stating such information. A couple of other board members do similar things and have similar opinions, but aren't as strong voiced as the one is.

 

It is out of order for the member to interrupt a member who is speaking. Disciplinary action could be pursued against the member for fabricating information.

[Guest Jenny]

People seem to speak out of turn all the time and someone actually had to tell the president what a point of order was last time one was called.

Also, after I asked a person who should have been able to provide a copy of the code of ethics supposedly in effect at the moment, they told me it was for board members use only.

Are non board members typically not allowed to know what ethical code their board is bound by?

[Edgar Guest]

Are non board members typically not allowed to know what ethical code their board is bound by?

 

The general membership (but not any individual member) could direct the board to make its documents available.