Policy Brief & Purpose
Our professional code of ethics policy aims to give our stakeholders guidelines on our business ethics and stance on various controversial matters. We trust you to use your better judgment, but we want to provide a concrete guide you can fall back on if you are unsure about how you should act, including in cases of conflict of interest.
We will also use this policy to outline the consequences of violating our business code of ethics. This policy applies to everyone we employ or have business relations with, including employees, interns, volunteers, vendors, enterprise customers, and venture capital companies.
Our code of conduct may include elements such as dress code and social media use, whilst our code of professional ethics refers to legally or morally charged issues. These two codes do overlap.
What Is Meant By Code Of Professional Ethics?
Professional ethics are a set of principles that guide the behavior of people in a business context. They are essential to maintaining the legality of business and a healthy workplace.
Our code of ethics definition refers to the standards that apply to a specific setting, in this case, our own organization.
Purpose Of A Professional Code Of Ethics
Having our business ethics in writing does not mean that we do not trust our employees. We strive to hire ethical people who have their own personal standards, so we expect that a written code will not be necessary most of the time.
However, it can still be helpful. You may find yourself in a situation where you are not sure how you should act. Some professional ethics also correspond to laws that must be known and followed properly.
When an employee behaves, or intends to behave, in a way that is against our professional ethics or applicable laws, clear guidelines help determine disciplinary actions.
Core Principles
- Respect for others: treat people as you want to be treated.
- Integrity and honesty: tell the truth and avoid wrongdoing to the best of your ability.
- Justice: be objective and fair and do not disadvantage others.
- Lawfulness: know and follow the law.
- Competence and accountability: work hard and be responsible for your work.
- Teamwork: collaborate and ask for help.
Respect For Others
It is mandatory to respect everyone you interact with. Be kind, polite, and understanding. You must respect others personal space, opinions, and privacy. Any kind of violence is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination.
Harassment, victimization, offensive conduct, demeaning behavior, threats, rudeness, and dismissiveness should be reported immediately to HR or management when excessive or frequent.
Integrity And Honesty
Always keep the organization mission in mind. Behavior should contribute to our goals, whether financial or organizational.
Be honest and transparent when acting in ways that impact other people. Malicious, deceitful, or petty conduct is not tolerated. Lies, cheating, theft, fraud, and embezzlement may lead to discipline, dismissal, and legal consequences.
Conflict Of Interest
Conflict of interest may occur whenever personal interest in a particular subject leads to actions, activities, or relationships that undermine the company. This includes using position authority for personal gain or exploiting company resources for personal business.
If a conflict of interest is created intentionally, termination may follow. If involuntary, actions will be taken to rectify the situation. Repeated offences may result in termination.
Justice
Do not act in a way that exploits others, their hard work, or their mistakes. Give everyone equal opportunity and speak up when someone else does not.
Be objective when making decisions that can impact other people, including hiring, promotion, and discipline. Discrimination against protected characteristics is forbidden by law.
When exercising authority, be fair. Do not show favoritism and be transparent when you praise or reward employees. Retaliation against employees or applicants who file complaints is forbidden by law.
Lawfulness
You are obliged to follow all laws which apply to the organization. Depending on your role and profession, there may be various laws you need to observe.
Contracts, clauses, disclaimers, online copy, consent forms, confidentiality, data protection, cybersecurity, fraud, bribery, corruption, assault, and child labour laws must be observed.
If you are not sure what the law is in a specific instance, ask HR or legal counsel.
Competence And Accountability
We all need to put a healthy amount of effort into our work because incomplete or slow work can hinder colleagues and conflict with respect and integrity principles.
We expect employees to take opportunities for learning and development and to take responsibility for their actions, mistakes, and decisions.
Teamwork
Working well with others is a virtue. You will work autonomously, but you should also collaborate with and help others.
Be generous with expertise and knowledge. Be open to learning and evolving. Consult, brainstorm, and ask for help when needed.
