Professional Standards
Code of Conduct
The standard of professional behaviour expected of all GABS Research contractors, enumerators, and staff.
Introduction
This Code of Conduct sets out the basic standard of conduct expected of all staff (i.e. data entry clerks, field enumerators, research officers, and analysts) and the Company's policy on matters such as acceptance of advantages and conflict of interest. This Code also applies to temporary and part-time staff. Violation of any provision attracts disciplinary action.
1. Honesty, Integrity and Fair Play
The Company and its staff are fully committed to the principle of honesty, integrity and fair play in the delivery of services to its clients. All contractors are to ensure that business operations and selection of survey participants are dealt with in an open, fair and impartial manner, in compliance with the guidelines governing each process.
2. Equal Opportunity
The company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment opportunities are available regardless of race, colour, sex, religious affiliation, and nationality.
3. Safety and Health Practices
Employees should perform work in a safe manner and each worker owes the other a duty of care. The company recognises and abides by all the laws of Ghana concerning employees' safety at work. Contractors do not work under hazardous or dangerous conditions.
4. Governance and Anti-Corruption
The Company does not condone corruption. The company prohibits payment or offers of payment — or anything of value — directly or indirectly with the purpose of influencing or obtaining undue business or personal advantage.
5. Financial Reporting
All transactions of the Company must be duly recorded so as to permit preparation of clear financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. No false or misleading entries may be made in the books and records of the Company for any reason.
6. Restrictive Agreements with Third Parties
The Company does not condone activities that seek to gain an unfair competitive advantage. No individual may engage in any activity which violates any valid restrictive agreements entered into by that individual, or use or disclose any confidential information of a third party.
7. Acceptance of Advantages
All contractors are prohibited from soliciting or accepting any advantage from any persons having business dealings with the Company. Gifts presented to Contractors in their official capacity and of low nominal value (below GH¢200) may be exceptionally accepted if refusal would be considered unsociable.
8. Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest situation arises when the private interests of the Contractor compete or conflict with the interests of the Company. When such a conflict exists or is perceived, the Contractor must make a declaration in writing to the manager and abstain from dealing with the matter in question.
9. Protection of Human Subjects
Contractors must ensure that they protect human research subjects and their rights, including the right to privacy. Human subjects are all living individuals whose sensitive or personally identifiable information (PII) is contained in the datasets being used in the study.
10. Handling of Classified or Proprietary Information
Contractors are not allowed to disclose any classified or exclusive information to anybody without authorisation. No data of the Company or a client should be given out without the written consent of the client, the Company, or the Manager.
11. Harassment and Abuse
Contractors must not verbally, physically, or sexually harass and/or abuse research subjects or anyone they come into contact with in the course of their duties.
12. Drugs and Alcohol
Contractors must not take drugs or drinks prohibited by state laws at any time during their engagement with GABS Research. Contractors must not consume strong drinks during their official work period.
13. Dress Code
Contractors must dress professionally, particularly to conform to the minimum standards of the institution they visit. Restrictive costume and attire must not be worn at any point during official duties.
14. Property of the Company
Contractors with access to any property of the Company should ensure that it is properly used for the purpose of conducting the Company's business. Misappropriation of the property for personal use or resale is strictly prohibited.
15. Compliance with the Code
All contractors are expected to be familiar with and comply with this Code of Conduct in its entirety. Any contractor who is unsure of how the Code applies to a particular situation should seek guidance from the Manager before acting.