Ethical Behavior and ISO Quality Culture in ISO 9001:2026

What does it Mean to Promote Ethical Behavior and ISO Quality Culture? 

Ethical behavior and quality culture are strongly linked because the leadership and employees of a business must have a strong commitment to ethical principles in order to be able to create a quality culture.  

The first step towards promoting quality culture and ethical behavior is to establish a set of core values for your business and incorporate these values into an ethics policy.  Once top management has signed off on your ethics policy you can proceed to conduct training, awareness, and buy-in throughout the organization on your ethics policy.

Examples of core values include the ones we have committed to for Kellerman Consulting, which are:

• Responsiveness
• Honesty
• Relentlessness
• Accountability 
• Transparency
• Supportiveness

What to Include in an Ethics Policy for an ISO 9001:2026 Certification Program?

Your company employee handbook may include many of the key elements of an ethics policy.  Ethics policies typically include topics, such as, core values, acceptable work behaviors, legal compliance requirements, and how to report violations. 

In addition, an ethics policy may include an anti-corruption section, conflict of interest statement, protection of proprietary information commitment, accuracy of records agreement, non-discrimination, and harassment free promise, dedication to not use child labor, and more.

Be sure to provide training on your ethics policy, and update your ethics policy as needed.  It is best to have employees sign acknowledgments that they have read and understood your ethics policy. 

How to Promote an ISO Quality Culture in a Company? 

You should create an environment, as well as build tools and strategies into your ISO 9001:2026 program, so that your employees feel comfortable bringing issues to the attention of top management, the QMS team, and/or their immediate supervisors. 

All employees should be trained on your Non-Conformance and CAPA Program, and it should be celebrated when personnel bring issues to the attention of the appropriate people as soon as they arise.   

Demonstrate leadership by example. Often organizations are successful in maintaining a positive quality culture when top management is invested, present, and accountable. 

It is suggested to create a quality campaign where rewards are given for identifying issues and for addressing them.  Thank your team and show recognition when they solve issues or meet quality objectives. 

Some businesses have implemented strategies such as QR codes that personnel can scan to give anonymous feedback.  Organizations should be open to employee feedback and should promote open and transparent communication. 

Document the efforts that you make to achieve a quality culture.  You can start planning today how you will promote quality culture and ethical behavior in your business. 

If you require assistance to meet these new ISO 9001:2026 expectations, contact us for a free 30 minute consultation at:

(800) 535-1376 or INFO@KELLERMANCONSULTING.COM