Code of Business Ethics
Policy
One of the keystones of this company’s success is the integrity it has with regard to dealing with people, both inside and outside the organization. Service Metrics Group is in a position of trust with respect to many external organizations and people. Additionally, all company personnel and contractors have a responsibility to the company’s owners, customers, and other sources of funds and revenue to use such monies prudently, ethically, and for the purposes for which they are designated. Ethical conduct has been and continues to be the very foundation of our company.
Service Metrics Group representatives (including independent contractors) are expected to assume personal responsibility and accountability for understanding relevant laws, regulations, contract requirements, and for ensuring compliance. Management, in particular, have a duty to inform those under their supervision that they should comply with the applicable standards. Service Metrics Group will fully comply with all such laws and contract requirements, as well as with its own high standards of integrity and quality.
The purpose of this code is to reiterate company-wide policies regarding the principles which govern the company’s business dealings. It is intended to complement, where necessary, and provide a general framework to the provisions of other specific policies or regulations.
General Responsibilities
1. Individual Responsibility
Ethics and integrity are the responsibility of each individual. Therefore, every member of the Service Metrics Group team, and any other person acting for or on behalf of the company, is responsible for ethical conduct consistent with this code and with company policies. All personnel in supervisory positions must assume responsibility for ensuring that their conduct and the conduct of those they supervise comply with this code.
2. Business Activities
Business activities undertaken for or on behalf of Service Metrics Group with the public, customers, suppliers, employees, contractors, and one another must reflect the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness. Personnel must be especially careful to avoid even the appearance of misconduct or impropriety.
Compliance With Laws
Service Metrics Group will transact its business in compliance with the laws of the jurisdictions in which it does business. In any instance where company policies appear difficult to interpret or apply, or where there may appear to be some conflict with Service Metrics Group principles, personnel should contact the Service Metrics Group supervisor/manager they directly report to or work with for guidance.
Compliance With Contractual and Grant Obligations
In addition to compliance with the relevant laws, Service Metrics Group will observe its contractual obligations to the governments of the United States, Hong Kong, the State of Texas, Collin County, and the City of Plano. In any instance where particular contractual requirements are difficult to interpret or apply, Service Metrics Group personnel should consult with the person that signed the contract on behalf of the company. Legal issues should be referred to company ownership.
Compliance With Standards of Integrity and Quality
Service Metrics Group recognizes that it must earn and maintain a reputation for integrity that includes, but is not limited to, compliance with laws and regulations and its contractual obligations. Even the appearance of misconduct or impropriety will not be tolerated. Service Metrics Group must strive at all times to maintain the highest standards of ethics. Frequently, Service Metrics Group business activities are not the subject of specific laws or regulations. In these instances, rules of fairness, honesty, and respect for the rights of others will govern the conduct of personnel at all times.
This policy requires each individual to conduct company business transactions with the utmost honesty, accuracy, and fairness. Each situation shall be judged according to this standard. No unethical practice shall be resorted to on the grounds that it is customary outside of Service Metrics Group or that it serves other worthy goals.
Expediency should never compromise integrity.
Reporting of Suspected Violations
1. Management Channels
Employees and contractors should report suspected violations of applicable laws, regulations, contract requirements, or any aspect of this code. Such reporting should normally be made, initially, through standard management channels, beginning with the immediate supervisor.
2. Alternate Channels
Alternatively, employees and contractors may report suspected violations or problems directly to company ownership.
3. Confidentiality and Protection of Whistleblowers
Such reports may be made confidentially, and even anonymously, although the more information given, the easier it is to investigate the report. Raising such concerns is the responsibility of Service Metrics Group personnel, and any information and/or its source will be treated in confidence. Persons reporting breaches or suspected violations of the code are entitled to be informed of the results of any subsequent investigations. Service Metrics Group will not, knowingly, take any action harmful to any employee or contractor for making a complaint in good faith pursuant to this policy.
Conflict of Interest
Employees and contractors should be sensitive to situations which could raise questions of potential or apparent conflicts between personal interests and the company’s interests. As part of the Service Metrics Group team, employees and contractors should consider themselves as persons in positions of trust, and all employees and contractors should conduct themselves accordingly. Employees and contractors must be particularly aware of situations where there exists a conflict between the private interests of a person and the general employment responsibilities of a person. Such conflicts can involve personal or family business interests, investments, present or prospective employees, relatives, or members of the communities in which Service Metrics Group employees or contractors live.
Confidential Information
Service Metrics Group is entrusted with many kinds of confidential, proprietary, and private information. Service Metrics Group personnel should respect this fact and also be familiar with the company’s Intellectual Property Policy. It is imperative that those who have access to this information do not make any unauthorized disclosures of the information, either during or after employment.
Gratuities and “Kickbacks”
Service Metrics Group personnel shall not give, offer, or promise anything of value to any prime contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or others for the purpose of improperly obtaining or receiving favorable treatment. Nor shall any Service Metrics Group personnel solicit or accept anything of value from any contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or others for such a purpose.
Proper Recording, Allocation, and Charging of Costs
1. Appropriate Accounts
Care should be taken to ensure proper recording and charging of all costs and expenses to the appropriate account. It is important that costs and expenses are accurately recorded so that Service Metrics Group’s direct and indirect charges are accurate and disallowable costs and expenses are not charged to restricted accounts. If there are any questions about the proper treatment of costs and expenses, contact the supervisor/manager that you directly work with or that directly oversees you.
2. Reasonable and Allowable Costs
Reimbursement shall be requested only for costs that are reasonable in amount and which are allowable under Service Metrics Group policy and/or customer contract regulations. If there are any questions as to what is reasonable, consult the supervisor/manager that you directly work with or that directly oversees you.
Financial Reporting
All company accounts, financial reports, tax returns, expense reimbursements, time sheets, and other documents, including those submitted to customers or other external organizations, must be accurate, clear, and complete. All entries in company books and records, including departmental accounts and individual expense reports, must accurately reflect each transaction.
Consequences of Violations of Policies
Each person is responsible for ensuring that his or her own conduct and the conduct of anyone reporting to him or her fully complies with this code and with Service Metrics Group's policies. Violations of this code or any fraudulent acts will result in the taking of appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including, discharge from employment or ineligibility for future work. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the procedures applicable for employed staff. Contractors may be suspended or excluded completely from further assignments for violations of this policy. Conduct representing a violation of this code may, in some circumstances, also subject an individual to civil or criminal charges and penalties.
One of the keystones of this company’s success is the integrity it has with regard to dealing with people, both inside and outside the organization. Service Metrics Group is in a position of trust with respect to many external organizations and people. Additionally, all company personnel and contractors have a responsibility to the company’s owners, customers, and other sources of funds and revenue to use such monies prudently, ethically, and for the purposes for which they are designated. Ethical conduct has been and continues to be the very foundation of our company.
Service Metrics Group representatives (including independent contractors) are expected to assume personal responsibility and accountability for understanding relevant laws, regulations, contract requirements, and for ensuring compliance. Management, in particular, have a duty to inform those under their supervision that they should comply with the applicable standards. Service Metrics Group will fully comply with all such laws and contract requirements, as well as with its own high standards of integrity and quality.
The purpose of this code is to reiterate company-wide policies regarding the principles which govern the company’s business dealings. It is intended to complement, where necessary, and provide a general framework to the provisions of other specific policies or regulations.
General Responsibilities
1. Individual Responsibility
Ethics and integrity are the responsibility of each individual. Therefore, every member of the Service Metrics Group team, and any other person acting for or on behalf of the company, is responsible for ethical conduct consistent with this code and with company policies. All personnel in supervisory positions must assume responsibility for ensuring that their conduct and the conduct of those they supervise comply with this code.
2. Business Activities
Business activities undertaken for or on behalf of Service Metrics Group with the public, customers, suppliers, employees, contractors, and one another must reflect the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness. Personnel must be especially careful to avoid even the appearance of misconduct or impropriety.
Compliance With Laws
Service Metrics Group will transact its business in compliance with the laws of the jurisdictions in which it does business. In any instance where company policies appear difficult to interpret or apply, or where there may appear to be some conflict with Service Metrics Group principles, personnel should contact the Service Metrics Group supervisor/manager they directly report to or work with for guidance.
Compliance With Contractual and Grant Obligations
In addition to compliance with the relevant laws, Service Metrics Group will observe its contractual obligations to the governments of the United States, Hong Kong, the State of Texas, Collin County, and the City of Plano. In any instance where particular contractual requirements are difficult to interpret or apply, Service Metrics Group personnel should consult with the person that signed the contract on behalf of the company. Legal issues should be referred to company ownership.
Compliance With Standards of Integrity and Quality
Service Metrics Group recognizes that it must earn and maintain a reputation for integrity that includes, but is not limited to, compliance with laws and regulations and its contractual obligations. Even the appearance of misconduct or impropriety will not be tolerated. Service Metrics Group must strive at all times to maintain the highest standards of ethics. Frequently, Service Metrics Group business activities are not the subject of specific laws or regulations. In these instances, rules of fairness, honesty, and respect for the rights of others will govern the conduct of personnel at all times.
This policy requires each individual to conduct company business transactions with the utmost honesty, accuracy, and fairness. Each situation shall be judged according to this standard. No unethical practice shall be resorted to on the grounds that it is customary outside of Service Metrics Group or that it serves other worthy goals.
Expediency should never compromise integrity.
Reporting of Suspected Violations
1. Management Channels
Employees and contractors should report suspected violations of applicable laws, regulations, contract requirements, or any aspect of this code. Such reporting should normally be made, initially, through standard management channels, beginning with the immediate supervisor.
2. Alternate Channels
Alternatively, employees and contractors may report suspected violations or problems directly to company ownership.
3. Confidentiality and Protection of Whistleblowers
Such reports may be made confidentially, and even anonymously, although the more information given, the easier it is to investigate the report. Raising such concerns is the responsibility of Service Metrics Group personnel, and any information and/or its source will be treated in confidence. Persons reporting breaches or suspected violations of the code are entitled to be informed of the results of any subsequent investigations. Service Metrics Group will not, knowingly, take any action harmful to any employee or contractor for making a complaint in good faith pursuant to this policy.
Conflict of Interest
Employees and contractors should be sensitive to situations which could raise questions of potential or apparent conflicts between personal interests and the company’s interests. As part of the Service Metrics Group team, employees and contractors should consider themselves as persons in positions of trust, and all employees and contractors should conduct themselves accordingly. Employees and contractors must be particularly aware of situations where there exists a conflict between the private interests of a person and the general employment responsibilities of a person. Such conflicts can involve personal or family business interests, investments, present or prospective employees, relatives, or members of the communities in which Service Metrics Group employees or contractors live.
Confidential Information
Service Metrics Group is entrusted with many kinds of confidential, proprietary, and private information. Service Metrics Group personnel should respect this fact and also be familiar with the company’s Intellectual Property Policy. It is imperative that those who have access to this information do not make any unauthorized disclosures of the information, either during or after employment.
Gratuities and “Kickbacks”
Service Metrics Group personnel shall not give, offer, or promise anything of value to any prime contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or others for the purpose of improperly obtaining or receiving favorable treatment. Nor shall any Service Metrics Group personnel solicit or accept anything of value from any contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or others for such a purpose.
Proper Recording, Allocation, and Charging of Costs
1. Appropriate Accounts
Care should be taken to ensure proper recording and charging of all costs and expenses to the appropriate account. It is important that costs and expenses are accurately recorded so that Service Metrics Group’s direct and indirect charges are accurate and disallowable costs and expenses are not charged to restricted accounts. If there are any questions about the proper treatment of costs and expenses, contact the supervisor/manager that you directly work with or that directly oversees you.
2. Reasonable and Allowable Costs
Reimbursement shall be requested only for costs that are reasonable in amount and which are allowable under Service Metrics Group policy and/or customer contract regulations. If there are any questions as to what is reasonable, consult the supervisor/manager that you directly work with or that directly oversees you.
Financial Reporting
All company accounts, financial reports, tax returns, expense reimbursements, time sheets, and other documents, including those submitted to customers or other external organizations, must be accurate, clear, and complete. All entries in company books and records, including departmental accounts and individual expense reports, must accurately reflect each transaction.
Consequences of Violations of Policies
Each person is responsible for ensuring that his or her own conduct and the conduct of anyone reporting to him or her fully complies with this code and with Service Metrics Group's policies. Violations of this code or any fraudulent acts will result in the taking of appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including, discharge from employment or ineligibility for future work. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the procedures applicable for employed staff. Contractors may be suspended or excluded completely from further assignments for violations of this policy. Conduct representing a violation of this code may, in some circumstances, also subject an individual to civil or criminal charges and penalties.
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Copyright © 2012-2023 Service Metrics Group LLC and Service Metrics Group Limited. All rights reserved. All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2012-2023 Service Metrics Group LLC and Service Metrics Group Limited. All rights reserved. All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.