DNPA Code of Ethics For Money Jicks
PURPOSE: Company associates will maintain the highest ethical standards in Company affairs. This policy intends that each associate will conduct the Company’s business with integrity and comply with all applicable laws in a manner that excludes considerations of personal advantage or gain.
The following is a summary of the Company’s policy concerning (1) gifts, favours, entertainment, and payments given or received by Company associates, (2) potential conflicts of interest, and (3) certain other matters:
GENERAL POLICY APPLICATION:
Gifts, Favors, and Payments by the Company: Gifts, favours, and payments may be given to others at Company expense if they meet all of the following criteria:
1. They are consistent with accepted business practices
2. They are of sufficiently limited value and in a form that will not be construed as a bribe or payoff
3. They are not in violation of applicable law and generally accepted ethical standards and
4. Public disclosure of the facts will not embarrass the Company
Payments, commissions, or other compensation to or for the benefit of associates of customers (or their family members or associates)not required by a written contract are contrary to Company policy.
Gifts, Favors, Entertainment, and Payments Received by Company Associates:
1. Associates shall not seek or accept any gifts, favors, entertainment, or payments for themselves or others without a legitimate business purpose, nor shall they seek or accept personal loans other than conventional loans at market rates from lending institutions. from any persons or business organizations that do or seek to do business with or are a competitor of the Company. In the application of this policy:
a. Associates may accept common courtesies usually associated with customary business practices for themselves and members of their families. These include but are not limited to:
Lunch and/or dinner with vendors, sometimes including spouses, as long as the vendor extends the invitation.
Gifts of small value from vendors such as calendars, pens, pads, knives, etc.
Tickets to events (such as sports, arts, etc.) are acceptable if offered by the vendor and the vendor accompanies the associate to the event. However, the company associate may not solicit tickets and must have them approved by the appropriate company officer.
Overnight outings are acceptable, provided individuals from other companies or vendors are in attendance. The associate must have prior approval from the appropriate company officer.
The receipt of alcoholic beverages is discouraged.
Gifts of perishable items usually given during the holidays, such as hams, cookies, nuts, etc., are acceptable.
b. A strict standard is expected concerning gifts, services, discounts, entertainment, or considerations of any kind from suppliers
Day outings such as golfing, fishing, and hunting are acceptable with prior approval from the appropriate company official. The vendor must be in attendance, and participation by the associate’s family members is unacceptable.
Use of vendor facilities (vacation homes, etc.) by associates or families for personal use is prohibited. However, if the vendor is present for the duration of the visit, such a situation is acceptable as long as it occurs only once per year and for a limited duration, i.e., a long weekend. The associate must have prior approval from the appropriate company officer.
It is never permissible to accept a gift in cash or cash equivalents, such as stocks or other forms of marketable securities, of any amount.
2. Management associates should not accept gifts of more than limited value from those under their supervision.
Conflicts of Interest:
Associates should avoid any situation that involves or may involve a conflict between their interest and the interest of the Company. As in all other facets of their duties, associates dealing with customers, suppliers, contractors, competitors, or any person doing or seeking to do business with the company are to act in the company’s best interest. Each associate shall promptly and fully disclose in writing to their manager any potential situation that may involve a conflict of interest. Such conflicts include:
1. Ownership by an associate or family member of a significant interest in any outside enterprise that does or seeks to do business with or is a competitor of the company.
2. Serving as a director, officer, partner, consultant, or in a managerial or technical capacity with an outside enterprise that does or is seeking to do business with or is a competitor of the company. The Chief Executive Officer of Money Jicks can approve exceptions to this.
3. Acting as a broker, finder, go-between, or otherwise for the benefit of a third party in transactions involving or potentially involving the Company or its interests.
4. Any other arrangements or circumstances, including family or other personal relationships, might dissuade the associate from acting in the company’s best interest.
Confidential Information:
The revelation or use of confidential product information, data on decisions, plans, or any other information contrary to the Company’s interest without prior authorization is prohibited. The misuse, unauthorized access to, or mishandling of confidential information, particularly personnel information, is strictly prohibited and will subject an associate to the Discipline Policy up to and including immediate discharge.
Compliance:
Any policy violation will subject the associate to Administrative disciplinary action or immediate discharge. Any Company associate who knows any violation of the policy shall promptly report such violation to the appropriate level of management. Each vice president and company officer of Money Jicks is responsible for compliance in their area of responsibility. When questions arise concerning any aspect of this policy, contact the Corporate Vice President of Human Resources.
Social media guidelines
Introduction: The attached details our policy, but here is a brief overview. The guidelines are simple:
Use good judgment.
- Remember that almost nothing you post is truly private.
- Remember that you are a professional.
- If you want to remember only one thing about social media, it’s this:
When you publish on Twitter, Facebook, or other platforms, you are not sharing something with a few “friends” or “followers.” You are stepping up to a microphone and making public statements that will be recorded forever and potentially broadcast to everyone on Earth.
Most people won’t be listening when you first make your remarks or share your pictures or videos. But some will. And if you should ever happen to say or post something particularly provocative, offensive, or shocking, millions of others will immediately tune in.
Importantly, it doesn’t matter what you meant or thought when you hit “publish.” What matters is what people think you mean. Perception is reality. So, use good judgment.
Understand Social Media: In the rapidly expanding world of electronic communication, social media can mean many things. Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s weblog or blog, journal or diary, personal website, social networking, or affinity website (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, My Space, Instagram, YouTube and wikis), web bulletin board or a chat room, whether or not associated or affiliated with the Company, as well as any other form of electronic communication.
Know and respect Company policies: Please ensure that you are familiar with and comply with this policy and all of the policies in the Employee Handbook to ensure that your postings are consistent with these policies. Inappropriate postings that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats of violence, or similar inappropriate or unlawful content will not be tolerated and may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
Be careful what you post: You are personally responsible for what you post. Remember that anything you post may be public for a long time, even if you try to modify or remove it later. The Company disclaims any responsibility or liability for errors, omissions, losses, or damages claimed or incurred due to your electronic communications.
Speak for yourself, not the Company: Your postings should reflect your point of view, not that of the Company. If you post about the Company or any of its business contacts, you must identify yourself as a Company employee and be sure to include a prominent disclaimer stating that the views expressed are your own, not those of the Company.
Be respectful and professional: Always be fair and courteous. If you post complaints or criticisms, avoid using statements that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening, or intimidating, disparaging your co-workers or business contacts, or that might constitute harassment or bullying. Examples of such conduct include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment based on any characteristic protected by law or Company policy. Please be professional and respectful of others in your communications, show consideration for others’ privacy, and refrain from posting statements, photographs, video, or audio that are false, misleading, obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, fraudulent, discriminatory, or invasive of the privacy of others. Note, however, that this policy is not intended to preclude or dissuade employees from engaging in activities protected by state or federal law, including the National Labor Relations Act, such as discussing wages, benefits, or terms and conditions of employment, including discussions regarding forming, joining or supporting labour unions, raising complaints about working conditions or other legally protected activities.
Be honest and accurate: Be honest and accurate when posting information, and if you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Be open about any previous posts you have altered.
Respect laws and confidentiality: Respect copyright, trademark, privacy, financial disclosure, and regulatory laws. Do not disclose confidential or sensitive information about the Company, other individuals, or business contacts that may have been obtained through your position with the Company unless you have the right to do so and are taking into account intellectual property and privacy concerns.
For example, ask permission before posting someone’s photograph, article, or music on a social network or publishing in a blog a conversation that was meant to be private. In accessing or using a social media site, comply with the legal terms or code of conduct governing such site.
Report your concerns: If you feel that an employee of the Company has engaged in conduct that may violate this policy, please discuss your concerns with Human Resources. The Company prohibits retaliation against any employee for reporting concerns under this policy or cooperating in an investigation.
Plagiarism
At Money Jicks, like most journalistic organizations, we have a strong policy against plagiarism.
Fairness
Reporters must seek both sides of the story by providing an opportunity for those subject to negative accusations with an opportunity to respond. Reporters seek to convey accusations in detail and allow a fulsome response.