Code Of Conduct Awareness

Our Code Of Conduct

Our Code Of Conduct is a guideline for behavior that reflects our company’s commitment to integrity. Following the Code furthers our reputation for fair, ethical business decisions

 

For a short video on our code of conduct, please click here.

THE PURPOSE OF OUR CODE OF CONDUCT

These are the main reasons our Code Of Conduct was created:

  • Communicate about laws and regulation the company must adhere to
  • Prevent lawsuits and investigations
  • Avoid serious consequences
  • Build a culture that reflects our values
  • Compete and operate more effectively
  • Communicate our ethical stance to the community

 

WHAT THE CODE COVERS

Our Code Of Conduct provides valuable information on the following:

  • Principles, values and rules of behavior that guide decisions, procedures and actions
  • A broad range of topics, from avoiding conflicts of interest to fighting corruption to preventing discrimination and harassment
  • The process and protocol for report violations

 

WHAT IS NOT COVERED

While our Code Of Conduct is fairly comprehensive, there are some exceptions:

  • Every possible ethical dilemma you may encounter
  • A single answer to every question the Code raises, especially in the case of complex or ambiguous issues
  • Possible situations that may require further investigation or consultation with available company resources

 

OUR COMMITMENT

Our company is committed to maintaining and distributing the Code Of Conduct to our employees, third parties with who we do business, and the community. All employees are responsible for reading and meeting the requirements of the Code.

 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

We encourage every member of our team to learn and embrace our Code Of Conduct.

  • Take action and “Walk the Talk”
  • Know the Code
  • Be attentive for potential threats to our company’s integrity, both blatant and subtle
  • Keep the Code current and useful by bringing up areas that need to be addressed

 

SITUATION AND SOLUTIONS

To help you better understand how our Code Of Conduct might applies to how we all do our jobs, we’ve applied it to the three brief work scenarios below.

 

SITUATION #1

 

Potential Conflict Of Interest

I work in the IT department. One of our customers asked if I could work with him on weekends to help set up a new accounting system. Since this project is different from the work I do for the customer through our company, may I take on the contract work?

 

Ask Yourself

  • What feels wrong about this situation or action?
  • Is this situation against company policy or the law?
  • How could my decision affect my reputation and that of the company?

 

Solution

NO. This situation represents a conflict of interest. In order to avoid the perception that you might offer preferential treatment to this customer, you must decline the arrangement. Refer the customer to the conflicts of interest section of our Code.

 

SITUATION #2

 

Code Differs From Standard Procedure

I discovered a section in our Code that conflicts with how we actually operate in the field. Should I report this to anyone, though everyone knows the standard procedure?

 

Ask Yourself

  • What feels wrong about this situation or action?
  • Is this situation against company policy or the law?
  • How could my decision affect my reputation and that of the company?

 

Solution

YES. Our Code of Conduct is a dynamic document. Contact the compliance department with your suggested changes. If they are approved, the Code will be updated to reflect current practice.

 

SITUATION #3

 

An Issue Not Directly Addressed By Code

Recently I encountered an issue that, as far as I can tell, is not addressed in our Code. In deciding how to handle it, should I just follow my instincts?

 

Ask Yourself

  • What feels wrong about this situation or action?
  • Is this situation against company policy or the law?
  • How could my decision affect my reputation and that of the company?

 

Solution

MAYBE. It depends on the circumstances and how quickly you need to take action. Feel free to sort out the issue with your manager. As a follow-up, he or she may advise you to contact the compliance department to determine whether the issue should be added to our Code.