Our Commitment to Our Business Partners
Gifts and Entertainment
Under the right circumstances, a modest gift or meal may strengthen a business relationship, but an offer that is lavish or extended too frequently could cause others to question our objectivity.
We win business based on the quality of our products and services. Never give, accept or ask for any gift or entertainment of any value if the intent is to influence — or if the offer could appear to influence — your ability to make objective business decisions. For additional information, see Anti-bribery and Corruption.
- You may accept an occasional gift from a customer, vendor or partner if it's modest in value, appropriate for the occasion, intended to foster a business relationship and in line with our Anti-bribery and Corruption Policy
- You may accept an occasional meal and entertainment from a customer, vendor or partner if they attend the event with you, the costs are in line with local business customs and our policy and you inform your manager, human resources or compliance
- If you are offered a gift, meal or entertainment that exceeds our policy's threshold, thank the offerer, politely decline and notify your manager, human resources or compliance. But if refusing the offer would be considered culturally offensive or insulting, accept it and immediately consult with your manager, human resources or compliance
- In some situations, offering or accepting gifts, meals or entertainment may violate the law or another organization's policy. Don't offer anything of value to a government official or government contractor without receiving prior approval from legal
- Some gifts and entertainment are never acceptable to give or receive, for example, cash or cash equivalents (such as gift cards) or any gift or entertainment that would harm our reputation (e.g., something that is indecent or improper)
- Understand that the recipient may not be permitted to accept a gift, meal or entertainment under their company's policies, and consider asking them in advance if they are allowed to receive it
No. A gift card is a cash equivalent, and it would violate our policies to accept it. After notifying your manager, you should politely thank the vendor but return the gift card and let them know about our policy.