1.1Why do we need "The Code of Conduct for Yang Ming Group Members"?
Two main advantages of setting forth "The Code of Conduct for Yang Ming Group Members" are as below:
1.1.1 Internal: This Code of Conduct can summarize all rules or undocumented norms of conduct into one document so that all members can establish a whole unambiguous concept for the code of conduct for Yang Ming Group and more easily comply with it.
1.1.2 External: "The Code of Conduct for Yang Ming Group Members" will be published on the Yang Ming Group website at http://www.yangming.com.tw. External parties can understand how we at Yang Ming Group conduct our business and fulfill our duties. It will reduce misunderstandings in communication and enhance our Group's reputation.
How can I bring up my questions about the content of the Code of
Conduct and how is it applied? How to judge my own conduct?
2.1If I have questions to the Code of Conduct, who can I bring up my questions to? Who has the authority to explain the clauses?
If you have questions about the Code of Conduct, please submit your inquiries with your name(s) to the mailbox: conduct@yml.com.tw as stated in Clause 4 (in other words, anonymous email complaints will not be accepted). The designated person will answer the inquiries within 7 working days.
2.2Some Clauses in the Code of Conduct do not have clear definitions. How can I ensure my behavior does not violate these Clauses?
If you are not sure whether your behavior violates the Code of Conduct, please submit your inquiries with your name(s) to the mailbox: conduct@yml.com.tw as said in Clause 4. The designated person will answer the inquiries within 7 working days. Or you can judge your behavior by yourself according to the standard set in Clause 3.1.2 or by the following standards:
•Transparency: Do I mind others knowing what I have decided?
•Effect: Who does my decision affect or hurt?
•Fairness: Would my decision be considered fair by those affected?
2.3If I think my supervisor's behavior does not comply with spirit of the Code of Conduct, how do I bring up my concern?
Please submit your report with your name(s) stated to the mailbox: conduct@yml.com.tw as said in Clause 4. Your report shall include:
2.3.1 Your name(s), title and company, residence, telephone number, and report date.
2.3.2 The fact and content to be reported.
2.3.3 Available evidence or witnesses.
The designated person will answer the report at the soonest. All the reports/reporters will be kept confidential.
When receiving inquiries or reports, how will Yang Ming handle them?
3.1What is the procedure of handling inquiries or reports? Does Yang Ming give a formal reply to the person who submits an inquiry and report? Does Yang Ming keep all inquiries/reports absolutely confidential?
We have established a procedure "The Procedure of Handling Inquiries/Reports about the Code of Conduct for Yang Ming Group Members." The result will be formally returned to the sender by Yang Ming. Askers/reporters and the handling process will be kept confidential and Yang Ming will provide askers/reporters/investigators necessary protection.
3.2Why should my/our names be stated when submitting inquiries or reports? What protection does Yang Ming Group provide?
The asker/reporter is requested to be responsible for his/her own opinion. We do not want this Code of Conduct become a tool of malicious accusations. During the handling process, names of askers/reporters/investigators will be kept confidential. If necessary, Yang Ming will also provide askers/reporters/investigators protection to avoid possible unfair treatment.
Questions about the content of the Code of Conduct?
4.1What is included for Yang Ming's subsidiaries? Does this Code of Conduct apply to members hired by overseas subsidiaries?
Yang Ming Group's subsidiaries means Yang Ming's percentage of ownership is more than 50% or its President is assigned by Yang Ming regardless of Yang Ming's percentage of ownership. Thus, this Code of Conduct also applies to members hired by overseas subsidiaries.
4.2Who are managerial officers?
Managerial officers includes President, Executive Vice Presidents or persons whose position are at the same level, department heads of Finance and Accounting Dept. as well as others who have the authority to manage affairs and sign on behalf of the company. "The Code of Conduct for Directors, Supervisors and Managerial Officers of Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation" is available at http://newmops.tse.com.tw/ (Chinese version only).
4.3What is Yang Ming's corporate culture?
4.3.1 We summarize Yang Ming's corporate culture as below:
a.Emphasis is on the spirit of teamwork: Through mutual team cooperation, team learning, and quality control in each link, we strive to maximize the synergy of the entire Yang Ming Group.
b.Honesty is the first priority: We endeavor to embrace honesty in all we do at work and with all whom we work with; to respect each other; to care for our society; and to find some enjoyment in our daily lives at work.
c.Emphasis is also on the attitude of pragmatism: We do our utmost to get the job done right the first time.
d.We encourage innovation: By new knowledge, we can transcend traditions and barriers, overcome limitations, and "think outside of the box" to be even more professional in our work.
e.Decisions are based on humanitarian beliefs: Accredit value and achievement to everyone's job, and provide a safe, healthful and indiscriminative working and occupational environment for all members.
f. Harmony is greatly valued: Cooperate externally and harmonize internally; share interests with society, and coexist with the environment.
g.As we get from society, we give back to society as well: We supply valuable transportation, but in return, find new ways to serve society and people around the world.4.3.2 Integrating this Code of Conduct with Yang Ming Corporate Culture:
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Honesty -- the first priority
This Code of Conduct is not intended to regulate or form Yang Ming’s corporate culture. On the contrary, it is a means to ascertain and strengthen Yang Ming’s corporate culture. The key to forming a sound corporate image is based on the daily conduct of our members instead of only oral or written expressions of Yang Ming corporate culture to external parties. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of establishing this Code of Conduct is to embody and fulfill Yang Ming’s corporate culture in daily operations and activities through complying with the Code of Conduct.
4.4 What conducts conform to the corporate core values?
Our corporate core values are Teamwork, Innovation, Honesty and Pragmatism, and please refer to question 4.3 of this FAQ for their implications or submit your inquiry with your name(s) to this mailbox: conduct@yml.com.tw as stipulated in clause 4 of the Code of Conduct. The designated person will answer the inquiry within 7 working days.
4.5How to evaluate members' ethics and conducts? Who can fairly evaluate it?
At present members'ethics and conduct are evaluated in accordance with current evaluation procedures.
4.6In what situations can I assume something conforms to international business practices and etiquette? What is a reasonable range?
International business practices and etiquette depend on different situations and countries. It is difficult to provide clear definitions or a reasonable range of etiquette; however, in principle, money (including cash, remittance, precious metal/jewelry etc.), gift coupons, negotiable securities, tours paid by suppliers/customers/competitors, or unhealthy activities are all deemed as going beyond the reasonable range of acceptable conduct.
4.7Does Clause 3.1.3 talk about personal benefits or gains only? If gifts are given to a team or a department, shall they also apply to this clause?
Yes, even if gifts are given to a team or a department, they shall also apply to this clause.
4.8Job promotions, awards and punishments systems are not established by members themselves. So, why does each member have the duty to maintain it?
Whether job promotions, awards and punishments systems are definite, just, fair, and transparent is closely linked to members themselves. When members maintain definite, just, fair, and transparent job promotions, awards and punishments systems, they also safeguard their own rights. Everyone should value fairness.
4.9 How to ensure that managers are fostering their successors?
All members shall comply with this Code of Conduct regardless of their levels, but in practice we require all managers to fulfill this Code of Conduct first so that they can influence their subordinates. Fostering their successors is the responsibility of managers at every level and is also a necessary factor to corporate sustainability. If anyone has doubt about his/her supervisor in this issue, he/she is welcome to submit an inquiry with your name(s) to this mailbox: conduct@yml.com.tw. The designated person will answer the inquiry within 7 working days.
4.10 Who can decide whether company information can be disclosed to the public and how?
Members cannot disclose confidential documents, annual business plans, service contracts, lists of customers, and etc. Other information can be disclosed to the public subject to the authorization of each department in charge.
Any Other Questions?
5.1Can this Code of Conduct be available to the public?
This Code of Conduct is published on our Yang Ming Group website at http://www.yangming.com.tw. Anyone can read it on the website.
5.2If I want to learn more about the Code of Conduct, where can I obtain the relevant reference material?
You may refer to the following websites:
5.2.1 Taiwan Domestic:
Taiwan Corporate Social Responsibility http://csr.moea.gov.tw/main.asp
Business Council for Sustainable Development http://www.bcsd.org.tw/
5.2.2 International:
Ethical Corporation at http://www.ethicalcorp.com/
International Business Ethics Institute at http://www.business-ethics.org/
Institute of Business Ethics at http://www.ibe.org.uk/home.html
Free Management Library at http://www.managementhelp.org/ethics/ethics.htm
The Enron Case at http://www.time.com/time/2002/enron/ and
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/business/2002/enron/default.stm