Fostering Strong Corporate Ethics
We believe that gaining the trust and sympathy of society requires each and every employee to have high ethical standards and to act with fairness and integrity. Based on this concept,the Pacific Industrial Group Code of Conduct, which has been revised and updated since its initial publication in 2008, is distributed to all employees to raise awareness. Overseas, Group companies operate their own country’ s code of conduct that reflects the laws and customs of that country or region, in addition to the Pacific Industrial Group Code of Conduct, and conduct compliance activities appropriate to that country or region.
In the area of awareness-raising and education, in addition to rank-specific training and specialized training, we continuously conduct various educational and awareness-raising activities for employees, such as distribution of a regular newsletter discussing familiar topics, in an effort to prevent fraud and misconduct.
Our Group also conducts questionnaires with employees, including those of overseas companies, to determine the level of penetration of our Code of Conduct, identify compliance issues, and to implement improvements for the quick detection and resolution of problems and prevention of recurrence. Furthermore, to find and correct injustices and scandals that cannot be identified through questionnaires, we have established an internal reporting system that allows employees to report or consult with us by e-mail, telephone, postal mail,or in writing. For example, we have introduced an independent consultation desk, which functions as a reporting system independent of management, with non-executive directors to contact. Compliance regulations stipulate maintaining confidentiality for whistleblowers and others seeking advice, as well as prohibition of prejudicial treatment on the grounds of reporting or consultation, making the system safe to use.
Anti-Corruption
Promotion of Compliance and the Check System
Moreover, we have appointed a “Compliance Manager” in each department to provide education and enlightenment within departments and to strengthen the risk management system. The Compliance Managers grasp the state of compliance in their workplaces once a year through “self-inspection of the Code of Conduct” and work to correct and improve any issues extracted.
Enlightenment and Education on Compliance
Establishment of an Ethics and Complaints Desk
In principle, we receive the details of reports and consultation in registered form, investigate the facts promptly with utmost care and deal with problems immediately. Further, we observe the privacy of people who report or seek consultation strictly and protect them so that they will not suffer any disadvantage by reporting or consulting with us.