DISCLOSURE
OF INFORMATION
Core
Principle
Open communication fosters informed decision making in a democratic
society.
Intent
· To build trust with the public by revealing all information
needed for responsible decision making.
Guidelines
A member shall:
· Be honest and accurate in all communications.
· Act promptly to correct erroneous communications for
which the member is responsible.
· Investigate the truthfulness and accuracy of information
released on behalf of those represented.
· Reveal the sponsors for causes and interests represented.
· Disclose financial interest (such as stock ownership)
in a client's organization.
· Avoid deceptive practices.
Examples
of Improper Conduct Under this Provision:
· Front groups: A member implements "grass roots"
campaigns or letter-writing campaigns to legislators on behalf
of undisclosed interest groups.
· Lying by omission: A practitioner for a corporation knowingly
fails to release financial information, giving a misleading impression
of the corporation's performance.
· A member discovers inaccurate information disseminated
via a Web site or media kit and does not correct the information.
· A member deceives the public by employing people to pose
as volunteers to speak at public hearings and participate in "grass
roots" campaigns.
SAFEGUARDING
CONFIDENCES
Core
Principle
Client trust requires appropriate protection of confidential and
private information.
Intent
· To protect the privacy rights of clients, organizations,
and individuals by safeguarding confidential information.
Guidelines
A member shall:
· Safeguard the confidences and privacy rights of present,
former, and prospective clients and employees.
· Protect privileged, confidential, or insider information
gained from a client or organization.
· Immediately advise an appropriate authority if a member
discovers that confidential information is being divulged by an
employee of a client company or organization.
Examples
of Improper Conduct Under This Provision:
· A member changes jobs, takes confidential information,
and uses that information in the new position to the detriment
of the former employer.
· A member intentionally leaks proprietary information
to the detriment of some other party.
CONFLICTS
OF INTEREST
Core
Principle
Avoiding real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest builds
the trust of clients, employers, and the publics.
Intent
· To earn trust and mutual respect with clients or employers.
· To build trust with the public by avoiding or ending
situations that put one's personal or professional interests in
conflict with society's interests.
Guidelines
A member shall:
· Act in the best interests of the client or employer,
even subordinating the member's personal interests.
· Avoid actions and circumstances that may appear to compromise
good business judgment or create a conflict between personal and
professional interests.
· Disclose promptly any existing or potential conflict
of interest to affected clients or organizations.
· Encourage clients and customers to determine if a conflict
exists after notifying all affected parties.
Examples
of Improper Conduct Under This Provision
· The member fails to disclose that he or she has a strong
financial interest in a client's chief competitor.
· The member represents a "competitor company"
or a "conflicting interest" without informing a prospective
client.
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