Ethics & Integrity
Zero tolerance for bribery. Fair competition, lawful conduct, accurate records — in every country we operate in.
Speak Up
Concerns are reported without fear. No employee suffers for refusing a bribe or for reporting a violation.
Accountability
One set of books, declared conflicts, annual training — and sanctions when the Code is violated.
1Local and Foreign LawsCompliance with laws and regulations in every country we operate in.›
No officer, employee or representative of Daaken may, directly or indirectly, break or seek to evade the laws or regulations of any country in, through or with which it seeks to do business. That an illegal act is a "customary business practice" in any country is not sufficient justification for violation of this provision.
2Bribery and Facilitating PaymentsReject bribery and prohibit facilitating payments except urgent health/safety.›
No officer, employee or representative of Daaken may, directly or indirectly, offer or provide a bribe and all demands for bribes must be expressly rejected.
Bribery includes any offer, promise, or gift of any pecuniary or other advantage, whether directly or through intermediaries, to a public official, political party, political candidate or party official or any private sector employee, in order that the official or employee act or refrain from acting in relation to the performance of their duties, in order to obtain or retain business or other business advantage.
Daaken and its officers, employees and representatives shall not offer or make facilitating payments to government officials in order to encourage them to expedite a routine governmental task that they are otherwise required to undertake. Daaken shall have discretion to deviate from this prohibition if the government action sought is an urgent matter concerning health or safety. Daaken recognizes that extortion is widespread and that participation by the business community increases demand for facilitating payments.
3Kick-BacksNo kickbacks or indirect channels to benefit officials or related persons.›
No officer, employee or representative of Daaken may "kick-back" any portion of a contract payment to employees of other parties to a contract or use other vehicles such as subcontracts, purchase orders or consulting agreements to channel payments to government officials, political candidates, employees of other parties to a contract, their relatives or business associates.
A "kickback" is a particular form of bribe which takes place when a person entrusted by an employer or public function has some responsibility for the granting of a benefit and does so in a way that secures a return (kickback) of some of the value of that transaction or benefit for that person without the knowledge or authorization of the employer or public body to which the person is accountable.
4Conflicts of InterestAvoid relationships/activities that impair objective decisions.›
Officers, employees and representatives of Daaken shall avoid any relationship or activity that might impair, or appear to impair, his or her ability to render objective and appropriate business decisions in the performance of his or her job.
5Political ContributionsNo political contributions to obtain unlawful business advantage.›
Neither Daaken nor any of its officers, employees or representatives may make a political contribution in order to obtain an unlawful business advantage. Daaken shall comply with all public disclosure requirements.
6Philanthropic ContributionsCharitable contributions only where permitted and bona fide.›
Daaken and its officers, employees and representatives may make contributions only for bona fide charitable purposes and only where permitted by the laws of the country in which the contribution is made. Contributions made in order to obtain an unlawful business advantage are prohibited.
7ExtortionReject any request for undue advantage to act or refrain from acting.›
Daaken and its officers, employees and representatives shall reject any direct or indirect request by a public official, political party, party official, or private sector employee for undue pecuniary or other advantage, to act or refrain from acting in relation to his or her duties.
8Gifts, Hospitality and EntertainmentAvoid gifts/expenses that materially affect outcomes or violate laws.›
Daaken and its officers, employees and representatives shall avoid the offer or receipt of gifts, meals, entertainment, hospitality or payment of expenses whenever these could materially affect the outcome of business transactions, are not reasonable and bona fide expenditures, or are in violation of the laws of the country of the recipient.
9Reporting RequirementReport extortion/bribery requests promptly without fear of retaliation.›
Officers, employees and representatives of Daaken who find themselves subjected to any form of extortion or who are asked to participate in any way in a bribery scheme shall promptly report these occurrences to their senior management, without fear that their employment will be adversely affected.
10Company ResponseNo penalty for refusing bribes; encourage reporting; sanctions for violations.›
No employee will suffer demotion, penalty, or other adverse consequences for not paying bribes even when Daaken may lose business as a result of the employee's refusal to do so. Employees are encouraged to report alleged violations of this Code of Conduct to senior management and no employee will suffer demotion, penalty or adverse consequences for reporting.
Daaken will, where appropriate, sanction employees, suppliers or business partners for violations of this Code of Conduct.
11Company AccountsMaintain complete and accurate financial records in one set of books.›
Daaken shall maintain complete and accurate financial records, ensuring that all transactions are properly, accurately and fairly recorded in a single set of books.
12Communications and TrainingAnnual training for directors and key employees in sales/marketing/procurement.›
Daaken will make annual training available for all directors, key employees involved in sales, marketing and procurement.
★ Ask Before Acting
- Is it legal?
- Do I have to hide this action or decision?
- Does it comply with the Code of Conduct and Business Ethics of Daaken?
- How would I feel if this was in the news tomorrow?
- Would I make the same decision if money were not involved?
- Would I act the same way if my family were standing next to me?
- How would I feel if this was done to me or my family?
Questions about our standards?
We answer them the same way we do business — directly.
