Purpose: At Akelanews, we uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our operations. This policy is designed to ensure that every member of our team conducts themselves with integrity, adhering to all relevant laws and regulations, and avoiding any actions motivated by personal gain.:
Gifts, Favors, and Payments:
- Gifts, favors, and payments provided by Akelanews must align with accepted business practices, be of limited value, comply with the law, and avoid embarrassing the company upon public disclosure.
- Any payments, commissions, or compensation to associates of customers without a written contract are against company policy.
Gifts, Favors, Entertainment, and Payments Received:
- Associates must not seek or accept gifts, favors, entertainment, or payments without a legitimate business purpose, especially from entities doing or seeking to do business with Akelanews.
- Exceptions include common courtesies associated with business practices and gifts of small value. However, strict standards apply, especially regarding gifts from suppliers.
- Conflicts of Interest:
- Associates should avoid situations where personal interests conflict with those of Akelanews, promptly disclosing any such conflicts to their manager.
- This includes ownership in outside enterprises doing business with or competing against Akelanews, serving in capacities with competitors, or any other circumstances that may compromise the company’s interests.
Confidential Information:
- Unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential information is strictly prohibited, and misuse will result in disciplinary action, including termination.
Compliance:
- Violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Associates are obligated to report any violations they become aware of.
Social Media Guidelines:
Introduction:
- Social media posts should exercise good judgment, as they are effectively public statements with lasting impact.
- Associates must understand and comply with company policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
Be Careful What You Post:
- Associates are personally responsible for their online activity, and inappropriate content may result in disciplinary action, including termination.
- Posts should reflect personal viewpoints, with any references to Akelanews clearly identified as personal opinions.
Be Respectful and Professional:
- Maintain professionalism and courtesy in all communications, avoiding posts that could be construed as offensive, threatening, or harassing.
- Respect the privacy of others and refrain from sharing false or misleading information.
Be Honest and Accurate:
- Accuracy is paramount, and any mistakes should be promptly corrected. Associates should be transparent about any changes made to previous posts.
Respect Laws and Confidentiality:
- Associates must adhere to all legal and confidentiality requirements, including copyright and privacy laws. Confidential company information should never be disclosed without authorization.
Report Your Concerns:
- Any concerns regarding potential policy violations should be reported to Human Resources promptly. Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.
Plagiarism and Fairness:
- Plagiarism is not tolerated at Akelanews, and reporters must ensure fairness by providing all parties involved in a story with the opportunity to respond adequately.