What does a compliance program primarily aim to enforce within an organization?

A compliance program primarily aims to enforce adherence to principles of ethical conduct within an organization. This focus is essential for ensuring that the organization operates in accordance with legal requirements and ethical standards, fostering a culture of integrity and responsibility. Compliance programs help in identifying and mitigating risks related to violations of laws and regulations, thereby promoting transparency and accountability among employees.

While maximizing profits is a common goal for organizations, doing so "at all costs" can lead to unethical practices and violations that a compliance program seeks to prevent. Similarly, strict adherence to employee productivity metrics may create an environment that prioritizes performance over ethical behavior, which could ultimately lead to compliance breaches. The notion of completely eliminating all operational risks is unrealistic; rather, compliance programs aim to manage and mitigate risks appropriately through established protocols, training, and oversight. Thus, the emphasis on ethical conduct is foundational to the objectives of a compliance program.