Code of Ethics
Last Updated: 2 January 2024
Purpose
At Proto, we highly value the principles of business ethics and aim to foster a work environment that upholds these standards. We trust in your ability to exercise sound judgment but, recognizing the complexity of certain situations and an evolving world, we believe it useful to provide and empower you with a reliable framework to refer to when faced with ethical dilemmas, such as conflicts of interest. Furthermore, this policy outlines the repercussions associated with any breach in maintaining the integrity and reputation of our organization. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that our shared values continue to shape a positive and ethical workplace for all.
Scope
This policy applies universally to employees, contractors, and any other person affiliated with Proto. To provide clarity, this includes interns, volunteers, and freelancers, as well as business entities including vendors, resellers, clients, and investors. Collectively, these diverse parties are addressed as team members.
Importance
Sharing our business ethics in writing does not indicate a lack of trust in any party. Proto expects by default that team members will conduct themselves at a high standard. However, a written code of ethics can still be helpful for certain situations. You may find yourself in an emerging dilemma, conflict of interest, or slipping toward a lapse in judgement.
So, these guidelines ensure a principled framework for conduct and include remedial actions to be considered and conducted as necessary. We encourage you to carefully review this document and, should you have any doubts or questions, consult with your manager or designated company point of contact. Your commitment to ethical excellence is appreciated, and this collaborative approach reinforces a culture of transparency and integrity at Proto.
Components
Proto's code of ethics is based upon the following common-sense principles:
● Respect for others. Treat people as you expect to be treated.
● Value creation. Aim to exceed customer expectations at all times.
● Integrity and honesty. Report any actual or suspected wrongdoing immediately.
● Justice. Make certain you are objective and fair and do not disadvantage others.
● Lawfulness. Know and follow local and international law. Always.
● Competence and accountability. Work honestly and be responsible for your work.
● Teamwork. Collaborate, listen, and ask for help when needed.
Respect for others
At Proto, we acknowledge the indispensable contribution of each team member to the company's growth. In fostering a positive workplace culture, we hold the principles of mutual respect, openness, civility, and politeness in high regard. We expect all team members to align their actions with these values. To maintain a safe and inclusive environment, Proto's management strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy against any form of harassment, misconduct, or abuse. Failure to demonstrate respect for others will result in termination. We appreciate your dedication to upholding these principles for the collective well-being of our team.
Value creation
Proto strides to provide customers with a service that surpasses expectations. It is expected that each team member contributes to this commitment by delivering prompt and professional service, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience. In the event of a failure to meet this standard and the consequential impact on customer loyalty or feedback, the company will consider a performance improvement period or termination. Your dedication to elevating the customer experience is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Integrity and honesty
Proto is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of reputation across all operational markets. Thus, we expect all team members to immediately report any potential wrongdoing to company management, regardless of whether the questionable or bad behaviour is implied, perceived, or suspected in any manner. Failure to report such instances will be considered a serious violation, resulting in immediate termination.
Conflict of interest
Conflicts of interest may arise when personal interests intersect with actions, activities, or relationships that could potentially undermine the company and our collective goals. Examples of such situations include leveraging your position's authority for personal gain or utilising company resources to support a personal money-making endeavour. Even actions seemingly beneficial to Proto may inadvertently lead to serious company liability. For instance, acquiring competitor intelligence through dubious methods may seem advantageous but constitutes an ethical violation, placing the company at legal risk and promoting unhealthy business practices. In the event of intentionally creating a conflict of interest, termination and potentially legal action will be the consequence. In cases of involuntary situations (e.g., unknowingly investing in a competitor), immediate reporting and corrective actions are required upon becoming aware of the conflict. Repeated instances of involuntary conflicts may lead to termination. Your conscientious approach in addressing conflicts of interest is appreciated, as it contributes to maintaining the ethical integrity of our work environment.
Justice
Proto expects its team members to never act in a way that exploits others, their hard work or their mistakes. Everyone must be given an equal opportunity. Thus, team members shall be objective when making decisions that can impact others, especially when hiring, promoting, demoting or terminating a team member. You must be certain that you can justify any decision with written records, an impartial witness or commonly-accepted precedent. When exercising authority, be fair. Do not show favouritism towards a specific team member and be transparent when you decide to praise or reward. All team members are forbidden from having a reporting relationship with a relative. If you need to discipline a team member, be certain to have prepared a case that you can present to management. If you suspect that you may have an unconscious bias that influences your decisions, ask for help from a management member or Proto point of contact. Failure to follow these principles of justice will result in a performance improvement period and potential termination.
Fairness
Proto fosters an environment where team members refrain from actions that exploit others, their work, or mistakes. Upholding equal opportunities is paramount, particularly when making decisions impacting others, such as hiring, promoting, demoting, or terminating a member. It is imperative that decisions are objective and justifiable such as by written records, an impartial witness, or commonly accepted precedent. Exercising authority requires tact. Transparency is key when acknowledging and rewarding individual efforts. Favouritism towards any team member is discouraged. Team members are prohibited from having a reporting relationship with a relative. In cases of disciplining team members, thorough preparation of a case is essential for presentation to management. Should there be any suspicion of unconscious bias influencing decisions, seeking assistance from a management member or Proto point of contact is encouraged. Non-compliance with these principles of fairness may lead to a performance improvement period and potential termination. Your commitment to fairness and equity is instrumental in fostering a harmonious workplace.
Lawfulness
Proto expects all team members to diligently adhere to the laws governing applicable contractual agreements in the countries of operations. To ensure compliance, all legal documents must undergo approval and signature by Proto management. It is paramount to note that Proto management strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy concerning fraud, bribery, corruption, extortion, and any form of assault. Failure to adhere to the law will result in termination and potentially other consequences. Your commitment to legal compliance and ethical conduct is crucial in upholding the integrity of our operations.
Competence and accountability
At Proto, our unwavering commitment to competence and accountability shapes our approach to every endeavor. We hold the expectation that all team members invest a substantial effort and maintain a high standard of quality in their work. Furthermore, we actively encourage team members to seize opportunities for continuous learning and development. In emphasising individual responsibility, we foster an environment where all team members take ownership of their actions, acknowledging both successes and failures, regardless of any potential embarrassment. In instances where competence or accountability is consistently lacking, especially in crucial situations, a performance improvement period may be initiated, and termination becomes a potential outcome. Your dedication to competence, quality, and accountability is integral to our collective success.
Teamwork
Proto is committed to cultivating a positive and collaborative work environment. With an exceptionally diverse team spanning the globe, we recognise the array of skills, values, strengths, weaknesses, and perceptions that each team member brings to our collective efforts. Emphasising the importance of teamwork, we believe in considerate and respectful cross-cultural communication. We expect every team member not only to pursue their individual success but also to contribute to the success of the entire team. In instances where the interests of the team are not advanced, a performance improvement period may be initiated, with potential termination as an outcome. Your dedication to fostering a harmonious and collaborative workplace is highly appreciated.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Code of Ethics, please contact us at operations@proto.cx