Sample of Code of Conduct/ Ethics

Building Owners and Managers Institute International
Source: BOMI Institute Code of Ethics

Date Approved: Undated

Other Version(s) in our Codes of Ethics Online Collection: None

BOMI Institute Code of Ethics

PreambleBOMI, and its designees, are committed to promoting the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and ability available in the commercial property and asset management industry.
This code of professional ethics and conduct is designed to foster trust and mutual respect among those working in the industry, as well as the public at large. It is not intended to discourage fair and healthy competition within the industry, but to increase the esteem of the designations and the individuals who have earned them. We consider industry relationships critical to the industry's success.
Minimum standards of conduct in these areas are contained herein:

Articles I Professionalism
Each designee of the Institute shall conduct business in a manner displaying the highest degree of professional behavior, bringing credit to the profession, the industry, and the Institute. Designees shall speak truthfully and act in accordance with accepted principles of honesty and integrity. A designee shall endeavor to understand and fairly represent his or her own scope of knowledge and ability to perform services.
II Responsibility to Clientseach designee shall diligently and honestly pursue the client's legitimate objectives. Whenever possible, objectives should be put in writing to avoid misunderstanding. No designee shall place his or her own needs and desires above those of the client in the performance of work for that client. Each designee shall advise the client regularly or as agreed on matters concerning the creation of value. National, State and Provincial, and Local (Municipal) laws as well as regulations, codes, and ordinances shall be strictly adhered to in the operation of property or equipment.
III Responsibility to Employerseach designee shall behave in a manner consistent with the stated goals of his or her firm and/or employer. No designee shall act out of a motive of personal gain apart from the knowledge and consent of the employer and/or firm.
IV Responsibilities to Real Property and EquipmentEach designee shall be diligent in the operation of property to maximize its long-term value within the client's objectives. Designees shall not permit or cause damage to the property or properties under their control. In the operation of the property, designee shall take those actions reasonably necessary to maximize the security and life safety of the occupants consistent with accepted standards of the industry.
V Conflict of InterestEach designee shall fully disclose to the client any known conflict of interest between (a) the client; client's employees; suppliers; and other related parties, and (b) the owner; manager; or their employees arising prior to the engagement of management services. Each designee shall use every reasonable means to resolve such conflicts. No designee shall permit a conflict of interest to remain undisclosed, nor shall he or she create any appearance of impropriety.
VI ConfidentialityEach designee shall maintain as confidential any legitimate business information provided in confidence until and unless given permission to disclose it by the source or for the length of time that confidentiality is legally required.
VII Fair DealingEach designee shall endeavor to deal fairly with his or her clients, tenants, competitors, vendors, employer, and employees. No designee shall take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair dealing practice.
VIII Records ManagementEach designee shall maintain complete and accurate records compiled in accordance with generally accepted procedures and provide them to the client or employer with comment on a regular basis. In addition, each designee shall control the funds and property entrusted to the designee in such a way as to protect the client and client's assets from any reasonably foreseeable losses.
IX Continuing EducationEach designee shall endeavor to remain knowledgeable in the subject material of his or her designation by taking courses and seminars offered by the Institute and others, reading industry periodicals, and consulting and sharing information within the industry network in the designee's area.
X Compliance with Lawseach designee shall comply with all National, State and Provincial and Local (Municipal) laws and regulations, as well as any human rights statutes concerning the properties managed, apprising property owners as appropriate.


Plaza Construction Corporation
Source: Plaza Construction Corporation
Date Approved: Undated
Other Version(s) in our Codes of Ethics Online Collection: None
Code of Business Ethics
I. Client Relationships
A. Fiduciary ObligationsEmployees shall at all times exercise loyalty to the interests of Plaza’s clients and shall not engage in any activity which could be reasonably construed as contrary to the best interests of the client. Employees shall not represent personal or business interests divergent or conflicting with those of Plaza’s clients, unless the client is first notified in writing of the activity or potential conflict of interest and consents in writing to allow the employee to proceed.
B. ConfidentialityPlaza's professional relationships with its clients are confidential and maintaining this confidentiality is essential to Plaza’s business relationships. Business affairs must not be discussed with family or friends, nor discussed with other employees in public places such as restrooms, restaurants or elevators. This duty of confidentiality applies to all information which may be proprietary or sensitive regarding clients’ businesses or information.
Employees shall not disclose to any third party any confidential or proprietary information which would be injurious or damaging to a client concerning the client’s business or personal affairs without the client’s prior written consent, unless such disclosure is required or compelled by law or regulation.
In certain cases, employees may gain knowledge of unethical or illegal activity conducted by a client. Employees should immediately report such activity to their immediate supervisors. Employees may also at a later time be required by law or regulation to disclose their knowledge of such activity to government officials.
C. Client Gratuities
Property and/or Monetary Gifts: Employees must receive prior written approval from their immediate supervisor before accepting any gifts from clients, their representatives, vendors, or subcontractors. In general, employees will not be allowed to accept gifts of substantial value, but they may be allowed to retain gifts of a symbolic nature.
Requested or Offered Services. Employees are allowed to receive services from clients and subcontractors only at industry rates. All work completed by a Plaza client for an employee must be approved by the employee’s supervisor.
D. Socializing with Clients and Subcontractors Plaza recognizes the importance of employee participation in social activities provided by the client. Employees will be allowed to accept, with prior approval of their immediate supervisor, the invitation of a client to a reasonable event (e.g. Grand Opening party, Christmas party, business dinner). Reasonable events do not include vacations, recreational events that last more than a day, adult theme activities or the like. If employees are unsure about what type of events they may attend, they should consult their immediate supervisor.
Documentation of All Client Related ActivitiesAll activity with a client shall be documented and presented to the employee’s immediate supervisor who will be responsible for record maintenance. At no time are employees allowed to accept or offer anything to a client without the approval of an immediate supervisor.
Kickbacks Kickbacks are not limited to direct cash payments. Any transaction in which employees or their families can gain personally through a transaction between Plaza and a client or vendor is prohibited. These transactions are not only unethical but may also be illegal.
ReciprocityPlaza often purchases goods or services from vendors who may also buy services from Plaza. Although this is normal practice, employees must not ask vendors to buy Plaza services in order to become or continue to be a vendor with Plaza.
Payments to Clients Employees shall not pay, or offer to pay, any benefit to any client or prospective client in order to induce the client to purchase Plaza services.
II. Proper Work Conduct
A. Use of Contraband or Other Inebriating Substances Possession, sale, or use of alcohol, narcotics, or any other intoxicating drug or controlled substance without a valid prescription, on the premises of Plaza, or being under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or any other intoxicating drug or controlled substance without a valid prescription during working hours, is prohibited.
Violations of Law All employees are expected to adhere to all federal, state, local and administrative laws, rules and regulations in and out of the office. Employees involved in the theft or misuse of Plaza funds or property will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Physical Violenceall employees are expected to act in a manner above reproach in their relationships with business associates, fellow employees, competitors and the public generally. At no time should employees threaten or implement physical violence against any other person. Any threats or physical violence directed towards a Plaza employee in the course of the performance of the employee’s job should be reported to the employee’s supervisor.
Appearance Plaza considers its employees to be its most important representatives. All employees should remember that their personal appearance and their attitude towards their work are a reflection of the company.
Conflicts of Interest Employees shall not represent personal or business interests divergent or conflicting with those of Plaza. Employees are to avoid any outside financial interests that may influence the employee’s corporate decisions. Employees are also to avoid outside employment and activities that may negatively impact their job performance, conflict with the obligations of Plaza or negatively affect Plaza’s reputation. If employees are unsure about whether a situation constitutes a conflict of interest they should discuss the matter with their immediate supervisor.
Books and Records Employees shall not intentionally, either through deliberate omission or by entry of false information, cause Plaza’s books or records to be inaccurate. Legal and regulatory practices require Plaza to retain its books and records for a certain period of time.
Safety Conditions To provide a clean and safe environment for its employees, Plaza encourages all employees to report any conditions they believe to be unsafe, unhealthy or hazardous to their immediate supervisor.
Personal Relationships with Fellow Employees
Harassment and Discrimination. Plaza is committed to maintaining a work environment free of harassment and discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, Plaza will not tolerate harassment of, or discrimination against, its employees by anyone, including any supervisor, co-worker, vendor or customer. Employees should consult their Employee Handbooks for a more detailed description of Plaza’s harassment policy.
Sexual Conduct.Plaza strongly advises its employees against engaging in any intimate relations with co-workers, subcontractors or clients.
I. Disclosure of Corporate Information Employees shall not disclose to others outside Plaza, or use for their benefit, any proprietary, secret or confidential information concerning Plaza and its business of which employees become aware during their employment with Plaza without Plaza’s written consent.
If any employee has knowledge of unethical or illegal activity conducted within Plaza or by outside agencies, the employee should immediately report such activity to their immediate supervisor. Employees may also at a later time be required by law or regulation to disclose their knowledge of such activity to government officials.
J. Payments to Government Employees Employees shall not give or offer to give, or provide or offer to provide, money, gifts, services, entertainment or anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any government employee in order to induce any change in the performance of his or her responsibilities.
III. Enforcement
Employees are obligated to report any suspected violation of this Code to their immediate supervisor. Plaza reserves the right to discipline employees by any legal method necessary to ensure adherence to proper conduct and to this Code, up to and including discharge.
Employees are expected to cooperate fully in any investigation of a suspected violation of this Code. Employees making good faith reports of suspected violations will not be subject to any reprisals. To ensure a better working environment for all employees, Plaza encourages all employees to seek the guidance of their supervisors if they have any questions concerning this Code.