Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Code of Conduct English
Code of Conduct English
Code of Conduct
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
<company name>
October 04July 05
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Introduction
The <company name> Code of Conduct is intended to provide <company name>
employees with guidelines for ethical and professional conduct.
The code governs the business decisions and actions of all <company name> employees,
and is crucial in ensuring the integrity, reputation, and profitability of our Company in its
various operating locations.
The Code of Conduct is aligned with our vision and mission statements.
Our Vision
<Company Vision>
Our Mission
<Company Vision>
Every employee bears an individual responsibility to uphold these guidelines.
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General Principles
<company name> is committed to the highest level of integrity in its dealings with
individuals and organizations wherever we operate. Our Code of Conduct provides
employees with clear guidelines with respect to dealing with other employees, our clients,
suppliers, shareholders, competitors and the communities where we work. The following
highlights our general principles:
Employees
We are committed to maintaining employment practices based on equal opportunities for
all employees. We will respect each others privacy and treat each other with dignity and
respect. We are committed to providing a safe working environment and an atmosphere
of open communication for all employees.
Suppliers
We are committed to providing quality products and services to our clients through
honest transactions. We will deal lawfully and ethically with all of our clients.
We will emphasize fair competition, without discrimination or deception, in dealings with
our vendors.
Shareholders
We are committed to providing a return to our shareholders that ranks among the highest
in our industry through ethical profit making. In doing so, we will protect and improve
the value of their investments through the prudent utilization of Company resources and
observe the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct in our business dealings.
Competitors
We are committed to competing vigorously and honestly for business. Our efforts will be
based on the merits of our competitive offerings.
Communities and the Environment
We are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen of the communities in which
we serve. We will abide by all national and local laws, and will strive to improve the
well-being of our communities and the environment.
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Employees
Mutual Respect
At <company name>, we emphasize the need for mutual respect. We respect the opinions
and questions of others and exhibit behaviour that is courteous and conducive to creating
a pleasant and productive working environment. A positive atmosphere of
professionalism is essential for everyone to perform to the best of his or her abilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity
<company name> values the unique perspectives and opportunities provided by a diverse
workforce. It is therefore our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to
qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, or
disability. This applies in all aspects of the employment relationship, including
recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and
termination.
Workplace Environment
<company name> is committed to providing its employees with a safe work environment
free from harassment or discrimination. The Company will not tolerate sexual advances,
actions, comments, inappropriate physical contact or any other conduct that is
intimidating or would create an offensive or hostile work environment.
Workplace Violence
<company name> has a zero tolerance policy on acts of violence and verbal or physical
behavior that could lead to workplace violence, whether committed by or against our
employees. Included in prohibited behavior are: making threatening remarks, causing
physical injury to someone else, intentionally damaging someone elses property, and/or
acting aggressively in a way that causes someone else to fear they could be injured.
If you observe behavior that could be dangerous, use good judgment and inform your
supervisor or manager.
Safety
The safety of <company name> employees and the safe operation of <company name>
equipment is always a primary goal. <company name> believes that no business activity
is of such urgency or importance that it may be carried out in an unsafe manner. All
employees are responsible for ensuring that all <company name> operations are
conducted safely. Employees are expected to observe all safety rules and practices and to
follow instructions concerning safe and efficient work practices.
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All such information must be used solely for Company purposes and must never be used
for personal gain.
Inappropriate or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information may damage our
business and the business of our customers, suppliers, and subcontractors. In some cases,
unauthorized disclosure may also violate the law and could result in fines, penalties, or
legal action against <company name> and/or individuals involved.
Employees should also exercise caution to avoid inadvertently disclosing confidential
information. This includes:
keeping electronic and paper documents and files containing confidential
information in a safe place;
not discussing confidential matters where they could be overheard, for example,
in public places such as elevators, hallways, restaurants, airplanes and taxis;
exercising caution when discussing confidential matters over telephones;
transmitting confidential documents by electronic devices, such as by fax or email, only when it is reasonable to believe this can be done under secure
conditions; and
avoiding unnecessary copying of confidential documents.
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Communication
<company name> is committed to providing communication channels that encourage
self-expression and open dialogue relative to responsible opinions, attitudes and
concerns.
Employee Development
<company name> is dedicated to promoting employee self-development and enhancing
work-related skills.
Human Rights
<company name> operations will respect basic human rights and accepted international
work practices. This includes not employing under-aged workers, not entering into any
contracts or arrangements where workers are exploited, ensuring reasonable working
hours and working conditions.
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Suppliers
Bribes and Kickbacks
We maintain the highest standards of integrity and objectivity in dealing with suppliers.
We should never ask for, take, offer, or give any form of bribe or kickback. Our choice of
suppliers should not be influenced by any promise of money or favour as a sweetener
to the deal.
Bribes or kickbacks in any form (money, commissions, fees, credits, gifts, favours, or
anything of value that is either directly or indirectly provided in return for favourable
treatment) will not be tolerated.
When dealing with offers of bribery, <company name> employees should politely turn
down the offer, and inform the person concerned that it is against our policies to accept
bribes. Any encounter with offers of bribery should be reported to the supervisor at the
earliest opportunity.
Proprietary Information
<company name> will respect the confidentiality of proprietary information and trade
secrets of our clients and vendors and will not disclose any client or vendor proprietary
information, unless the release or disclosure is properly authorized by the individual or
firm owning the information.
Choice of Vendors / Suppliers
<company name> will choose its vendors / suppliers based on considerations such as
competitive pricing, quality, technology leadership, after-sales support, delivery and leadtime performance, financial standing, and payment terms.
When negotiating with a vendor or potential vendor, we are fair and reasonable. We
follow all applicable laws and regulations and uphold good business practices.
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Shareholders
Return on Investment
One of our primary goals is to provide a return on our shareholders investment that ranks
among the highest in our industry through ethical profit making.
Protection of Assets
Every employee is responsible for the proper use, conservation and protection of the
Companys assets, including its property, vehicles, and equipment.
Accuracy of Company Records
Accuracy and reliability in the preparation of all business records is of critical importance
to the Companys decision-making processes and to the proper discharge of our financial,
legal and reporting obligations.
All transactions must be properly authorized and be completely and accurately recorded
on the Companys books and records in accordance with generally acceptable accounting
practices and established financial policies. No unrecorded cash funds or other assets will
be established or maintained for any purposes.
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Competitors
Gathering Competitive Information
Information about our competitors and customers is a valuable asset in a highly
competitive market.
Such information would be acquired through public, legal, and ethical meanssuch as
public documents, trade magazines, published journals, and other public information. We
never seek information through improper means, such as directly from a competitor,
burglary, or spying. We do not misrepresent ourselves, either directly or indirectly
through an agent or a representative, to obtain such information.
Pricing, terms, and other market information may be obtained from customers in the
course of normal discussions or negotiations. However, we cannot obtain pricing or
competitor information directly from our competitor.
We always respect the proprietary information and trade secrets of others, including
former employers. If we are aware of a confidentiality agreement, we never solicit or
accept information that would violate that agreement. We never disclose any client or
vendor proprietary information unless the individual or organization owning the
information properly authorizes such releases or disclosures. Newly hired employees are
not to be asked or encouraged to divulge proprietary information about their former
employers.
Antitrust
A dynamic and thriving economy is built upon open and fair competition. This means
every competitor has a fair opportunity and that all competitors compete under the same
rules. While all employees are expected to work vigorously to outperform our
competition, only legal and fair methods may be used to do so.
<company name> will compete ethically, and our employees must never exchange
information with competitors regarding prices, market share, or any other data in
violation of antitrust laws governing unfair practices.
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Use energy wisely and efficiently in our operations. For example, we would
conserve energy by turning computers and other office equipment off or switching
them to energy-saving mode when not in use, and by turning off the lights and airconditioners in unoccupied spaces.
Practise the conservation of resources through Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. For
example, we would minimize paper wastage at the workplace by printing on both
sides and reusing scrap paper, recycle used paper, drink cans, and plastic bottles
by disposing these items in recycling bins. We should also avoid the wastage of
water in our operations.
Comply with all national and local environmental laws and regulations, company
policies, and professional standards of good industry practices in the countries
where we do business.
Use technologies and operating procedures designed to minimize health and
safety risks.
Encourage employees to report any condition that may pose an environmental,
health, or safety hazard.
The Community
<company name> is committed to creating strategic partnerships with community
organizations.
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Compliance
It is the responsibility of every <company name> employee to comply with the Code of
Conduct. Failure to comply with the Code will result in appropriate employee sanctions,
to be determined by management. If there is an evidence of failure to compliance with the
code by an employee, corrective counselling may be initiated. However, corrective
counselling is not a perquisite to disciplinary action or involuntary termination of
employment. Employment may be terminated at any time as per the provision of
applicable Indutrial Dispute Act.
Employees are encouraged to bring violations or suspected violations of the Companys
Code of Conduct to the attention of his or her supervisor.
October 04July 05
Acknowledgment Statement
I have received the <company name> Code of Conduct. By signing in the space below, I
understand its contents and agree to abide by the Code.
Name
_________________________________________________
Signature
_________________________________________________
Date
_________________________________________________
Site
_________________________________________________
Please pass signed copy to Human Resources Department to be filed in the employee
Personal File.
October 04July 05