Code of Conduct
Users of the Document (Code of Conduct)
All employees of Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd
Protection of Company Reputation
Although Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd recognizes and respects the right of employees to take part in activities not related to their jobs, those activities must be lawful and free of conflicts with their responsibilities as employees of Rasapoorna Foods Pvt. Ltd.
Protection of Company Assets
Other than its people, Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd’s assets include its office infrastructure, equipment, Machinery, vehicles, software & hardware, and proprietary information, other relevant equipment by Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd employees, and confidential data (such as business plans, Product details, financial data and technical know-how). Protecting all these assets against loss, theft, and misuse is of utmost importance. Every employee is responsible not only for protecting Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd’s property entrusted to him/her but also for helping protect the company’s assets in general.
Use of Company Assets
The company provides all facilities to all its employees in performing their duties more effectively and efficiently. The company’s facilities, equipment, and supplies must be used only for conducting Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd business and/or for the purpose authorized by the management. They should not be used for personal work.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, and/or any other factor protected by law.
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd will not discriminate against any qualified employee or job applicant concerning any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of his/her physical or mental disability Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd will also make reasonable accommodation wherever necessary for all employees or applicants with disabilities, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely and can perform the essential duties and assignments connected with the job, provided that any accommodations that are made available to such person do not impose an undue hardship on Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd
Management is primarily responsible for seeing that Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd’s equal employment opportunity policies are implemented. Also, members of the staff share the responsibility for assuring that by their actions, the policies are effective and apply uniformly to everyone
Any employees, including managers, involved in discriminatory practices will be subject to disciplinary action including and up to termination of services
Honesty & Integrity
The employee while dealing with business activities, should make no misrepresentations with anyone if it is believed that there has been some misunderstanding while communicating, it should be corrected. Honesty is essential to ethical behavior and trustworthiness is essential to good and lasting relationships
Employees should perform their duties in the best interest of the company at all times and should not create any loyalties or grant favors that compete or compromise their loyalty to Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd. They should not entertain any unreasonable gifts, special personal discounts, or favors of any kind from anyone who conducts or seeks to conduct business with Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd. Some amount of exchange of gifts of courtesy entertainment between business associates is generally acceptable to the extent that the purpose of these is clearly to create goodwill and show respect. If they unduly influence the recipient or make the person feel obligated to pay back the other company by giving business, such gifts/favors are unacceptable
Use of Company Phone/Internet/ email/Vehicles
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd makes every effort to provide the best available facilities and supportive technologies to those performing services for Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd. In this regard, Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd has installed, at substantial expense, equipment such as machinery, computers, and electronic mail, Any misuse thereof is not permissible & against work ethics.
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd property, including Office Vehicles, equipment, computers, electronic gadgets, etc, should only be used for conducting business activities of the company. Such services should be used for the execution of office works & not for personal communications Personal use of telephone/email/internet at work shall be considered a serious offense leading to disciplinary action by the company
The use of the company electronic mail system may not be used to solicit for commercial ventures, religious or political causes, outside organizations, or other non-job related solicitations Furthermore, the electronic mail system is not to be used to create any offensive or disruptive messages. Among those which are considered offensive, are any messages which contain sexual implications, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comments that offensively address someone’s age, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, national origin, or disability. In addition, the electronic mail system shall not be used to send (upload) or receive (download) copyrighted materials, trade secrets, proprietary financial information, or similar materials without prior authorization.
The use of the Internet on the company premises should be done only in furtherance of the cause of the business. However, care should be taken on the amount of time spent on the Internet so that it is not unreasonable to the job at hand. Under no circumstances, is it permissible to access indecent/improper sites at the workplace. Any such action will lead to disciplinary action including but not restricted to termination of services
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd has the right to monitor voice mail or electronic mail messages as and when required. Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd will inspect the contents of computers, voice mail, or electronic mail in the course of an investigation triggered by indications of unacceptable behavior or as necessary to locate needed information that is not readily available through other less intrusive means
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd Top Management will review any request for access to the contents of an individual’s computer, voice mail, or electronic mail before access being made without the individual’s consent.
Any employee who violates this policy or uses the electronic communication systems for improper purpose/s may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of services.
Statement on Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an offensive, hostile, and intimidating working environment and prevents an individual from effectively performing the duties of his/her position. It also encompasses such conduct when it is made a term or condition of employment or compensation, either implicitly or explicitly, and when an employment decision is based on an individual’s acceptance or rejection of such conduct
It is important to note that sexual harassment crosses age and gender boundaries and cannot be stereotyped. Among other perceived unconventional situations, sexual harassment may even involve two women or two men.
Sexual harassment may exist on a continuum of behavior. For instance, one example of sexual harassment may be that of an employee showing offensive pictures to another employee.
Generally, two categories of sexual harassment exist. The first, “quid pro quo,” may be defined as an exchange of sexual favors for improvement in working conditions and/or compensation. The second category, “hostile, intimidating, offensive working environment, can be described as a situation in which unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an intimidating or offensive environment. Examples of a hostile, intimidating, and offensive working environment include but are not limited to, pictures, cartoons, symbols, or apparatus found to be offensive and that exist in the workspace of an employee. This behavior does not necessarily link with improved working conditions in exchange for sexual favors. It is also against Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd’s policy to download inappropriate pictures or materials from computer systems.
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd prohibits any employee from retaliating in any way against anyone who has raised any concern about sexual harassment or discrimination against another individual.
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd will investigate any complaint of sexual harassment and will take immediate and appropriate disciplinary action if sexual harassment has been found within the workplace.
Dress Code & Personal Appearance
All employees are expected to dress and groom themselves by accepted social and business standards, particularly if their job involves dealing with customers or visitors in person.
A neat, tasteful appearance contributes to the positive impression that an employee makes on the client Employees are expected to be suitably attired and groomed during working hours or when representing Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd. A good, clean appearance bolsters one’s poise and self-confidence and greatly enhances the company’s image. When working at a customer’s site, employees are expected to dress appropriately and according to their corporate culture.
Personal appearance should be a matter of concern for each employee. If the manager feels the attire and/or grooming of any of his/her colleagues is out of place, the concerned employee may be asked to leave the workplace until he/she is properly attired and/or groomed. Employees who violate dress code standards may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action
Drug-Free / Non-Smoking Workplace / Intoxication-Free
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd has a standard of conduct, which prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees on the Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd site or as a part of Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd activities. Smoking within office premises is strictly prohibited. Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd will impose disciplinary sanctions on employees ranging from educational and rehabilitation efforts up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution for violations of the standards of conduct. Each situation will be looked at on a case-by-case basis
Language To Be Used at Work
All employees of Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd are expected to communicate in Telugu/Hindi/English while at work either at Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd Office or at the work premises of any client of Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd. It should be understood that the use of any language other than English/Hindi/ Telugu is restricted to informal groups & discussions. However while meeting clients/vendors & business partners, use of any language other than English / Hindi / Telugu is strictly prohibited even during mutual discussions among Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd employees in the presence of the client/vendor/business partner.
Relationship with Suppliers/Vendors
Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd wants to be viewed by its suppliers as valuable customers and treat all its suppliers as partners in the company’s success. Suppliers should be given honest, fair, and open treatment and opportunities to present their products and services to the company. Competition amongst suppliers should be encouraged to get the best value for money and to select the supplier based on the merits of their products and services and not due to any other loyalties or promises. No preferential treatment should be extended including non-standard contract terms to any supplier.
Relationship with Competitors
The company expects employees to compete not just vigorously and effectively but also fairly Products of the company should be sold based on their own merits and not by showing the demerits of competitor’s products. False and misleading statements for competitors are improper, as they will invite disrespect from customers and complaints from competitors. In all contacts with competitors, the general rule is to avoid discussing such matters as pricing policy, terms and conditions, costs, business plans, survey reports, or any other proprietary information of the company. Collaboration or discussion with competitors on these subjects is strictly prohibited.
Intelligence Gathering
In the normal course of business, an employee may acquire information about other companies such as customers, prospects, suppliers, competitors, and their employees. This is not unethical and is required for healthy competition in the marketplace. However, such information should be obtained by proper means and by using a variety of publicly available sources.
Another type of intellectual property that must be managed with care is software that the employee acquires under license and agreement from others. Software is generally protected by a copyright and an employee should not try to copy such software for any use other than that allowed under the terms of the license.
As an Individual
As an individual, you may be involved in various extra-curricular activities outside office hours (such as public service, membership of social clubs, participation in political activities, etc) or there could be a situation when someone close to an employee works for a competitor organization. A conflict of interest may arise because of circumstances without intention on the part of a Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd employee. The employee should use his/her discretion in such circumstances and act in a manner. which first protects Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd’s interest as his/her employer and obligation to Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd as an employee
Some Illustrations of Conflict
Holding financial interest directly or indirectly, including through close relatives in a company to which business is given or in a company in which the employee is involved in making a buy-out decision.
Directing business to a supplier managed by a relative or close friend.
Soliciting sub-contractors and vendors for donation/advertisements to a charity, in which the employee is involved. Using company facilities for personal purposes or spouse’s/relatives’ business.
Treating personal expenses/trips as business expenses.
Taking a part-time job requires the employee to spend time, during normal working hours.
Using office equipment to meet personal responsibilities.
Making a promotion decision about a spouse or relative.
Membership Of Social Service Organizations
Potential conflicts arise when executives take up memberships of organizations and Associations that undertake social service of various kinds. Conflicts arise in the form of fund-raising from Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd or group companies for such associations/organizations, using company infrastructure and facilities to discharge responsibilities towards these organizations and their members. Prior approval from the management should be obtained, for undertaking such activities. Common contractors for residences of decision-makers of the company. Office executives should not use the services of the same contractors/ architects, who are doing work for the company, for their jobs.
Financial Interest
Among the most common types of financial interests are:
- Ownership of equity
- Partnership interest
- Direct or indirect interest through a trust or other relationship
- Financial interest is a problem as soon as it presents a potential for conflict or interest with responsibilities as a Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd employee
For example, the executive’s job might involve selecting suppliers, selling to customers, or extending credit to other companies. A potential problem might exist if the executive or a relative also had a personal financial interest in one of those companies.
The interest could be direct or indirect what matters is the fact that actions as a Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd employee might affect the value of the interest in the other company Discretion and great care are recommended for all such opportunities
Setting up Part-time Business or Taking up Part-time Jobs
This is not permissible for full-time employees of the company. Every Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd employee is expected to give the best in terms of time, creativity, and energy.
Violation
Any employee noticing a breach of the Code of Ethics in general by any Rasapoorna Foods Pvt Ltd employee should immediately report to his/her Department Head / HR Department. Failure to report such wrongful conduct in time could seriously damage the image and progress of the company and its employees, Such violations will result in disciplinary actions against anyone involved, and in some cases may lead to the termination of an employee and the company taking appropriate legal actions.
While the code has attempted to cover several areas, it cannot be comprehensive Whenever any conflicts are perceived, it is best to consult the line manager / Immediate Manager or the HR Department before taking any decision, in such areas.