PURPOSE: Company associates will maintain the highest ethical standards in the conduct of Company affairs. The intent of this policy is 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 with respect to (1) gifts, favors, 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, favors, and payments may be given to others at Company expense, if they meet all of the following criteria:
- They are consistent with accepted business practices
- They are of sufficiently limited value and in a form that will not be construed as a bribe or payoff
- They are not in violation of applicable law and generally accepted ethical standards; and
- 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 written contract are contrary to Company policy.
Gifts, Favors, Entertainment and Payments Received by Company Associates
- Associates shall not seek or accept for themselves or others any gifts, favors, entertainment, payments 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 is a competitor of the Company. In the application of this policy: a. Associates may accept for themselves and members of their families common courtesies usually associated with customary business practices. These include but are not limited to:
- Lunch and/or dinner with vendors, sometimes including spouses, as long as the invitation is extended by the vendor.
- 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. These are not to be solicited by the company associate and must be approved by the appropriate company officer.
- Overnight outings are acceptable under the condition that individuals from either other companies or the vendor 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.
- Day outings such as golf, 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 not acceptable.
- Use of vendor’s facilities (vacation homes, etc.) by associates or families for personal use is prohibited. In the event the vendor is present for the duration of the visit, such a situation is acceptable as long as it is only once per year and for 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 equivalent such as stocks or other forms of marketable securities of any amount.
- Management associates should not accept gifts from those under their supervision of more than limited value.
Conflicts of Interest
Associates should avoid any situation which involves or may involve a conflict between their personal 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 best interest of the company. Each associate shall make prompt and full disclosure in writing to their manager of any potential situation which may involve a conflict of interest. Such conflicts include:
- Ownership by associate or by a member of their family of a significant interest in any outside enterprise which does or seeks to do business with or is a competitor of the company.
- Serving as a director, officer, partner, consultant, or in a managerial or technical capacity with an outside enterprise which does or is seeking to do business with or is a competitor of the company. Exceptions to this can be approved by the Chief Executive Officer of PublishKhabar.com.
- 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.
- Any other arrangements or circumstances, including family or other personal relationships, which might dissuade the associate from acting in the best interest of the company.
Confidential Information
The revelation or use of any confidential product information, data on decisions, plans, or any other information which might be contrary to the interest of the Company 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 violation of this policy will subject the associate to Administrative disciplinary action or immediate discharge. Any Company associate having knowledge of any violation of the policy shall promptly report such violation to the appropriate level of management. Each vice president and company officer of PublishKhabar.com is responsible for compliance in their area of responsibility. When questions arise concerning any aspect of this policy, contact the corporate Vice President Human Resources.
Social Media Guidelines
Introduction
The attached lays out our policy in detail, 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.
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 or newsworthy or offensive or shocking, millions of others will immediately tune in.
Importantly, it doesn’t matter what you meant or what you were thinking when you hit “publish.” What matters is what people think you meant. 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 your own or someone else’s blog, website, social networking sites (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube), web bulletin board or a chat room, as well as any other form of electronic communication.
Know and Respect Company Policies:
Please ensure you comply with this policy and all Company policies in the Employee Handbook. Inappropriate postings, including discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence 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 your posts. Anything you post may remain public for a long time—even after deletion. PublishKhabar.com disclaims any liability for errors, omissions, or losses due to your posts.
Speak for Yourself, Not the Company:
If you post about PublishKhabar.com or any of its business contacts, clearly identify yourself as an employee and include a disclaimer that the views expressed are your own.
Be Respectful and Professional:
Avoid posts that are malicious, obscene, threatening, intimidating, or disparaging to coworkers or business contacts. Show professionalism and respect privacy. Avoid posting anything false, misleading, defamatory, or discriminatory.
Note: This policy does not preclude employees from discussing wages, working conditions, or engaging in protected labor activities under the National Labor Relations Act.
Be Honest and Accurate:
Always post accurate information. If you make an error, correct it quickly. Disclose any altered past posts.
Respect Laws and Confidentiality:
Respect copyright, trademark, privacy, and disclosure laws. Don’t share confidential information without permission. Get consent before posting others’ photos or private conversations.
Report Concerns:
If you see violations of this policy, report them to Human Resources. PublishKhabar.com prohibits retaliation for reporting or cooperating in investigations.
Plagiarism
At PublishKhabar.com, as with most journalistic organizations, we have a strong policy against plagiarism.
Fairness
Reporters must present both sides of a story, especially when negative accusations are made. Provide accused parties with the opportunity to respond, share accusations in detail, and allow a complete response.
