Purpose
At Growtimes18, we uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our operations. This policy is designed to ensure that every member of our team conducts themselves with integrity, complies with all applicable laws and regulations, and avoids any actions driven by personal gain or conflicts of interest.
Gifts, Favors, and Payments (Given)
- Any gifts, favors, or payments provided by Growtimes18 must align with accepted business practices, be of limited value, comply with applicable laws, and not bring embarrassment to the organization if disclosed publicly.
- Payments, commissions, or compensation to associates or representatives of customers or partners without a written agreement are strictly prohibited.
Gifts, Favors, Entertainment, and Payments (Received)
- Team members must not seek or accept gifts, favors, entertainment, or payments from individuals or organizations doing or seeking to do business with Growtimes18 without a legitimate business purpose.
- Modest gifts or customary business courtesies of nominal value may be accepted, provided they do not influence—or appear to influence—editorial or business decisions.
- Special caution must be exercised with gifts or benefits received from suppliers, advertisers, or partners.
Conflicts of Interest
- Associates must avoid situations where personal, financial, or professional interests conflict with the interests of Growtimes18.
- Any actual or potential conflict of interest must be promptly disclosed to management.
- Conflicts may include ownership or investment in competing businesses, employment or advisory roles with competitors, or any relationship that could compromise editorial independence.
Confidential Information
- Unauthorized use, sharing, or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information is strictly prohibited.
- Any misuse of confidential information may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or association.
Compliance and Reporting Violations
- Violations of this Code of Ethics may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
- All associates are obligated to report any known or suspected violations of this policy.
Social Media Guidelines
Introduction
- Social media activity should be approached with caution and good judgment, as posts are considered public statements with a lasting digital footprint.
- All associates must follow Growtimes18’s internal policies and professional standards while engaging on social platforms.
Be Careful What You Post
- Associates are personally responsible for their online activity.
- Content that is offensive, misleading, or damaging to Growtimes18’s reputation may result in disciplinary action.
- Opinions shared on personal accounts must be clearly identified as personal views and not official statements of Growtimes18.
Be Respectful and Professional
- Maintain professionalism, respect, and courtesy in all online interactions.
- Do not post content that may be considered abusive, threatening, defamatory, or discriminatory.
- Respect the privacy and dignity of individuals and organizations.
Be Honest and Accurate
- Accuracy is essential. Any errors made in social media posts must be corrected promptly and transparently.
- Do not knowingly share false, misleading, or unverified information.
Respect Laws and Confidentiality
- All social media activity must comply with applicable laws, including copyright, defamation, and privacy regulations.
- Confidential or unpublished information related to Growtimes18 must never be shared without proper authorization.
Report Your Concerns
- Any ethical concerns or suspected violations of this policy should be reported to the appropriate internal authority or management.
- Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Plagiarism and Fairness
- Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. All content must be original or properly attributed to its source.
- Growtimes18 is committed to fairness and balance in reporting. All relevant parties involved in a story should be given a reasonable opportunity to present their views.
At Growtimes18, adherence to this DNPA Code of Ethics is essential to maintaining credibility, trust, and journalistic independence.