Compliance
Zero tolerance for non-compliant behavior
We conduct our business responsibly and in compliance with the laws and regulations of all the countries where we do business. The company does not tolerate illegal and unethical behavior. We have established binding company guidelines that require all our managers and employees worldwide to behave ethically and in conformity with the law. These guidelines are the basis of our work and the relationships of our employees with one another as well as with our customers and partners.
In the wake of the accusations leveled at individual company employees at the end of 2006 (suspicion of breach of trust, bribery and tax evasion), Siemens initiated comprehensive measures to ensure full compliance at the company.
- Business Conduct Guidelines
- The cornerstone of compliance in any company is management’s explicit directive to all employees that laws must be obeyed and that no infractions will be tolerated. At Siemens, this directive is set out in the Business Conduct Guidelines. These guidelines call upon employees to obey the laws, and not just in general terms.
- Compliance Program
- Siemens’ Compliance Program anchors ethical and legal behavior throughout the company. It includes clear instructions to all employees to comply with all applicable laws. It also contains additional regulations regarding, for example, the processing of payments and proper dealings with business consultants. To implement the program, Siemens has set up a worldwide compliance organization. The system that Siemens uses to verify adherence to the Compliance Program is based on four pillars.
- Helpdesk
- The Compliance Helpdesk "tell us", offers Siemens employees or managers as well customers, suppliers and other Siemens business partners the opportunity to submit reports about violations of the Siemens Business Conduct Guidelines 24/7 all over the world - secure and confidential.
- Ombudsman
- Employees and third parties can contact the external ombudsman on a confidential and anonymous basis if they have noticed any improper business practices in the company.