Objectives: We explore the codes of conduct in order to characterize the responsibility and ethical performance parameters that Colombian oil companies define for themselves. Method: The paper is exploratory and descriptive. We use the method of multiple case study and a model of Gaumnitz and Lere (2004) in order to classify the codes. Results: The codes are grouped into three blocks according to their structure: codes of conduct of multinational companies; codes of conduct of local companies with international ambitions; codes of conduct of small local companies. Conclusions: Codes of global companies are extensive and legalistic. Codes of local companies with international ambitions are short and legalistic. Codes of small local companies are short and missionary. Virtually allcodes have their roots in the utilitarian ethics.