Our Ethical Approach to Business
Vision
We have a clear vision: To provide gold standard performance - for our clients, our people and our shareowners - as one seamless, global business with a single culture.
Our strategic platform is one of knowledge, ideas, insights, research and innovation, leading to strategic thinking and quality work for our clients.
Mission
For our clients - local, national or global - our mission is to create superior value. By providing them with the best in strategic, integrated communications counsel and effective implementation, we will help them achieve the business results they seek.
For ourselves - our people and our company - our mission is to build an ever-greater communications counseling firm. By leading the industry in thought and innovation, we will create value for our shareholders and exciting new growth opportunities for our people and our company.
Ethics/Code of Business
Burson-Marsteller's reputation is founded on adherence to these principles and values. All actions taken by a Burson-Marsteller employee member should conform to the WPP Code of Business Conduct.
During 2010, the company ceased working with clients that market tobacco products. The firm has committed itself to no longer working with clients operating in this industry.
The WPP Code of Business Conduct sets out the expectations we have of our people.
The following Code of Business Conduct ("the Code") has been approved by the Board of Directors of WPP:
WPP and its companies operate in many markets and countries throughout the world. In all instances, we respect national laws and any other laws with an international reach, such as the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, where relevant, and industry codes of conduct. We are committed to acting ethically in all aspects of our business and to maintaining the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
We, the officers and staff of all companies in the WPP group (“the Group”), recognise our obligations to all who have a stake in our success including share owners, clients, staff, and suppliers;
Information about our business shall be communicated clearly, and accurately in a non-discriminatory manner and in accordance with local regulations;
We select and promote our people on the basis of their qualifications and merit, without discrimination or concern for race, religion, national origin, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or disability;
We believe that a workplace should be safe and civilised; we will not tolerate sexual harassment, discrimination or offensive behaviour of any kind, which includes the persistent demeaning of individuals through words or actions, the display or distribution of offensive material, or the use or possession of weapons on WPP or client premises;
We will not tolerate the use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs, or our people reporting for work under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
We will treat all information relating to the Group’s business, or to its clients, as confidential. In particular, “insider trading” is expressly prohibited and confidential information must not be used for personal gain;
We are committed to protecting consumer, client and employee data in accordance with national laws and industry codes
We will not knowingly create work which contains statements, suggestions or images offensive to general public decency and will give appropriate consideration to the impact of our work on minority segments of the population, whether that minority be by race, religion, national origin, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or disability;
We will not undertake work which is intended or designed to mislead, including in relation to social, environmental and human rights issues;
We will consider the potential for clients or work to damage the Group's reputation prior to taking them on. This includes reputational damage from association with clients that participate in activities that contribute to the abuse of human rights;
We will not for personal or family gain directly or indirectly engage in any activity which competes with companies within the Group or with our obligations to any such company;
We will not give, offer or accept bribes, whether in cash or otherwise, to or from any third party, including but not restricted to government officials, clients and brokers or their representatives. We will collectively ensure that all staff understand this policy through training, communication and by example;
We will not offer any items of personal inducement to secure business. This is not intended to prohibit appropriate entertainment or the making of occasional gifts of minor value unless the client has a policy which restricts this;
We will not accept for our personal benefit goods or services of more than nominal value from suppliers, potential suppliers or other third parties;
We will not have any personal or family conflicts of interest within our businesses or with our suppliers or other third parties with whom we do business;
No corporate contributions of any kind, including the provision of services or materials for less than the market value, may be made to politicians, political parties or action committees, without the prior written approval of the WPP Board;
We will continue to strive to make a positive contribution to society and the environment by: maintaining high standards of marketing ethics; respecting human rights; respecting the environment; supporting community organisations; supporting employee development; and managing significant corporate responsibility risks in our supply chain. Our Corporate Responsibility Policy provides more detail about our commitments in these areas.