What is business ethics?
- Conflict of interest - A conflict of interest arises when a private or personal interest of an employee or contractor is or appears to be incompatible with with the interests of Novo Nordisk. Conflicts of interest must be avoided and reported to the nearest manager if they occur
- Bribery – The promising, offering or giving, directly or indirectly, of any undue advantage or anything of value to a business partner or Public Official for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, gaining an undue or improper advantage or benefit, or influencing an act or decision by the foreign official when acting in his or her position or official capacity. Bribery is illegal and unacceptable
- Donations – Community support is encouraged, however charitable contributions and sponsorships are not to be used as a subterfuge for bribery. Donations may not be granted to support political parties or political campaign efforts, as this can be seen as an attempt to gain an improper business advantage
- Gifts and Entertainment - To avoid that gifts and entertainment have undue influence on business decisions, the maximum amount for gifts and entertainment must be defined by local Novo Nordisk management. Gifts given or received may never be illegal, known to be in violation of the rules of the recipient’s organisation, unsavoury, cash or cash equivalent. Extravagant entertainment should not be offered, nor received
- Facilitation payments - Minor payments, permissible under certain circumstances, made to a Public Official for the purpose of expediting or facilitating the performance by the Public Official of a Routine Governmental Action. Facilitation payments are generally discouraged, however, if Facilitation payments are allowed under local law, the payments can be made if unavoidable and kept to a minimum. Accurate notation of the payment must be made in the books
- Sales and marketing – The approach towards promotion and sales must be done in a responsible way
- Contracts with agents - No payment to any Governmental Employee or Official takes place in order to influence an improper decision
- General Business ethics – Non of the above listed issues, but other issues that would seem to be a doubtful way of doing business
