Trust and fairness in all business decisions are the indispensable elements of OTE Group dealing with its business partners. The private interests or personal gain of employees do not have any influence on business decisions.
"It is important for me that the Code of Conduct exists, so we could regulate the values of working and collaboration concretely as well as it gives us an orientation all about this."
Katrin Müller, DT Group
Active corruption
In order to preserve the trust of its customers, business partners, shareholders and of the public, OTE Group firmly rejects any and all forms of corrupt behavior and avoids even the mere suggestion of such behavior. Specifically, this means that OTE Group employees may not offer, promise or grant benefits to any public officials in their local country or abroad, nor to any decision-makers operating in the private sector in their local country or abroad, in order to achieve preferential treatment or a favorable decision for OTE Group. OTE Group employees must bear this in mind when dealing with gifts or invitations to business meals and events.
Passive corruption
OTE Group employees may not allow themselves to be promised or offered benefits and shall not accept any benefits if this creates, or could create, the impression with the parties bestowing the benefits that they can thus influence the employees’ business decisions. Further, OTE Group employees must never request any benefits for themselves or third parties.
Public service contracts
The public service market is an important market for OTE Group. OTE Group’s employees adhere to the rules prohibiting undue influence in public-sector tenders and ensuring fair competition.
Trade controls
OTE Group has international business relations. It is thus actively involved in the global trade in goods and services, and is a supporter of free trade. Within this context, OTE Group complies with the applicable trade regulations regarding import/export controls and embargoes.
Procurement
OTE Group Procurement and authorized parties are responsible for procuring goods and services in a professional manner and at optimal conditions for the benefit of OTE Group. Procurement acts in compliance with the applicable laws of the countries in which OTE Group operates. As bypassing Procurement can lead to disadvantages for OTE Group, Procurement has been given responsibility for all of the purchasing activities.
Suppliers
OTE Group maintains business relations with its suppliers that are based on trust and fairness. In turn, OTE Group expects its suppliers to treat it with the same respect and integrity it shows them. Suppliers are frequently also customers. OTE Group refrains from taking unfair advantage of such situations and strictly separates any related purchasing and sales activities. Any reciprocal arrangements must be approved accordingly by responsible procurement department.
Competition
OTE Group and its employees commit themselves to fair competition in all business relationships. They ensure that no agreements are concluded with competitors, customers or suppliers which restrict competition on prices or by division of product or geographic markets. This applies, in particular, to tenders. Business decisions are made independently and without the exchange of sensitive information with competitors. OTE Group neither disseminates incorrect information on products or services of competitors, nor seeks to gain a competitive advantage in any other unfair or abusive manner.
Transparent financial reporting
OTE Group’s financial reporting is carried out in compliance with local and international financial reporting regulations and gives a true and fair view of its assets, liabilities and results of its operations and financial position.
Donations
As a responsible member of society, OTE Group takes social responsibility in all those countries it operates. OTE Group acts as a supporter and sponsor of education, science, culture, activities relating to social responsibility, sports and environment protection on a large scale, all on the basis of the specific local laws and its internal policies and regulations with regard to its financial possibilities. This support is being shaped by partnerships, cash and non-cash donations, and services. OTE Group makes no donations in order to obtain any commercial advantage. Donations to individuals or private accounts as well as individuals or organizations that could potentially damage either the OTE Group’s interests or image will not be granted.
Political contributions
OTE Group does not donate any money to political parties or elected officials, and does not grant them any non-cash benefits beyond what is legally permissible.
Money laundering
OTE Group takes all necessary measures to prevent money-laundering activities within its sphere of influence.
Sponsoring
Sponsoring is one of OTE Group’s corporate communications instruments. Sponsoring activities are focused on the platforms of sports (mainly soccer), music and activities relating to social responsibility. All sponsoring activities must conform to the respective legal system in each country and the internal sponsoring policy. All sponsoring activities are handled transparently, and involve appropriate and verifiable communications and marketing services on the part of the sponsoring partners / organizers.