The Southwestern Company Internship Difference Blog
Reading the comments posted on a previous blog post regarding a traveling sales crew operating under the name “Urban Success, Inc.”, I began to think about why those type of companies do the things they do. I then began to think about why legitimate companies operate in the manner they do. One thing that came to mind was a strict Code of Ethics. Is it lip service or something taken to heart by those doing the selling?
In my experience, the Direct Selling Association’s (DSA) Code of Ethics is not taken lightly by the over 200 member companies, including Southwestern Company. In fact, one of the most important provisions for membership is for member companies to promote it to their field salesforce.
This is something I, myself, promote in each Sales School for the student dealers who will sell Southwestern products to families door-to-door. We even provide all directly applicable parts to the students in their training materials. The DSA Code is both a requirement and benefit of membership. As Southwestern’s DSA Code Responsibility Officer, it is my job to ensure we are acting not only in accordance to the Code’s provisions, but above and beyond.
This past year, an ethics initiative was a DSA topic of focus for all member companies. The elective 14-point program was established by a joint task force of three DSA committees: Ethics & Self-Regulation, Awards and Communications. The points were a mixture of criteria that fit members of all sizes. Think of it as a buffet – member companies could load up their plates with up to 14 portions of ethical promotions.
Those companies that went beyond the already strict Code requirements and met at least five of the 14 points, will be honored at the 2009 DSA Annual Meeting in June. I’m proud to say Southwestern Company will be one of those companies. Really, there was no way Southwestern would not be on that list of honorees, as for me, it is an expectation, not an elective. Leading by example and taking responsibility are two things we train young people to do in our summer sales program. As such, we have to stand tall and walk the walk.
A Code of Ethics should not be lip service. For Southwestern Company, it’s a serious undertaking and a visable demonstration of our committment to the student dealers and their customers.
Note: To view the DSA Code of Ethics to which Southwestern Company adheres to, go to the “Code of Ethics” page at the top of this blog!
I think having a code of ethics is important when a sales force is involved. It establishes the guidelines of ethical behavior and promotes integrity.
Exactly. The important thing is for the Code of Ethics to be put into action. It should be reviewed regularly and be a part of an organization’s culture. Thanks for the comment!