Developing good working relationships with our customers, suppliers, and business partners is important to our growth. Reasonable gifts and entertainment are courtesies that are sometimes exchanged to foster these relationships and build goodwill. However, providing gifts and entertainment can also create the perception that business decisions were made based on factors other than fair and objective business criteria. It is for this reason that we must exercise caution and be thoughtful when giving or receiving business gifts and entertainment.
We have a responsibility to make sure that any gift, entertainment, or other benefit we give or receive is appropriate and consistent with Company policies. Avoid all gifts, entertainment, or benefits that might compromise or appear to compromise, the objectivity of all involved parties. Gifts, entertainment, or other benefits should never influence, or give the appearance of influencing, impartial decision-making.
As a general rule, do not give or receive gifts, entertainment, or other benefits unless the gift meets all of the following criteria, as further elaborated in the Gifts & Entertainment Policy:
