Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
Statement by the President
Ethics are vital to Norris as a company and for our employees.
Norris is committed to the highest ethical standards and
to conducting its business with the highest level of integrity.
Personally, I believe this commitment is at the core of what
makes Norris successful.
An uncompromising
adherence to ethical excellence is integral to creating and
sustaining the necessary strong foundation on which Norris’ success
is built and on which Norris can grow and prosper.
Each Norris
employee is responsible for the consequences of his or her
actions. We must each be honest and ethical in our personal
conduct as well as be a guardian of Norris’ high ethical
standards.
Leaders in
Norris have the extra responsibility of setting an example
by their personal performance and an attitude that conveys
our ethical values. That example leads us to treat everyone
- employees, customers, prospects, suppliers and competitors
- with honesty and respect.
If you are
unsure of the appropriate action, take advantage of our open
door, informal environment and raise your concerns with management
or, if you are still uncomfortable, follow the processes
outlined in this Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
Applicability
This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to, and
each reference to Norris or its employees includes, Norris
and each and every employee. The word “employees” and
references to you and yours used in this Code includes all
employees, officers and, when they are acting on behalf of
Norris, directors.
Business Conduct and Ethics
Norris and each of its employees, wherever they may be located,
must conduct their affairs with uncompromising honesty and
integrity. Business ethics are no different than personal
ethics. The same high standard applies to both. As an employee
of Norris you are required to adhere to the highest standard
regardless of local custom.
Employees
are expected to be honest and ethical in dealing with each
other, with customers, suppliers and all other third parties.
Doing the right thing means doing it right every time.
Misconduct
cannot be excused because it was directed or requested by
another. In this regard, you are expected to alert management
whenever an illegal, dishonest or unethical act is reasonably
suspected. You will never be penalized for reporting your
reasonable suspicions.
The following
statements
concern frequently raised business conduct and ethical
concerns. A violation of the standards contained
in this Code
of Business Conduct & Ethics will result
in corrective
action, including possible dismissal.
Compliance with Laws
General. It is Norris’ policy to comply with all
laws, rules and regulations that are applicable to its
business, both in the United States and in other countries.
Employment Matters. It is Norris’ policy to comply with applicable
employment laws, including those governing working conditions,
wages, hours, benefits, and minimum age for employment.
While employees and applicants for employment must be qualified
and meet the job requirements established by Norris, each
person must be accorded equal opportunity to the full extent
provided by law and without regard to race, color, religion,
national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status,
age or other characteristic protected by law. Each employee
must respect the rights of fellow employees and third parties.
Your actions must be free from libel, slander, harassment
or any form of unlawful discrimination.
Environmental Matters. It is Norris’ policy to comply with all
applicable laws and regulations for the protection of the
environment. Each employee must abide by these laws and
established environmental policies and procedures.
Fair Competition and Antitrust Laws. Norris must comply with all applicable
fair competition and antitrust laws. These laws attempt
to ensure that businesses compete fairly and honestly and
prohibit conduct seeking to reduce or restrain competition.
If you are uncertain whether a contemplated action raises
unfair competition or antitrust issues, the Human Resources
Department can assist you.
Conflicts of Interest
You must avoid any personal activity, investment or association
which could appear to interfere with good judgment concerning
Norris’ best interests. You may not exploit your position
or relationship with Norris for personal gain. You should
avoid even the appearance of such a conflict. For example,
there is a likely conflict of interest if you:
- cause Norris to engage in business transactions with relatives or friends;
- use nonpublic Norris, customer or supplier information
for personal
gain by you, relatives or friends (including securities transactions
based on such information);
- have
more than
a modest
financial interest in Norris’ suppliers,
customers or
competitors;
- receive a loan, or guarantee of obligations,
from Norris
(other than as specifically allowed in the Norris accounting
manual) or a third party as a result
of your position
at Norris;
- compete,
or prepare
to compete,
with Norris while still employed by Norris; or
- perform
work (with
or without
compensation) for a competitor, governmental or regulatory
entity,
customer or supplier of Norris, or do any work
for a third
party that may adversely affect your performance
or judgment
on the job or diminish your ability to devote the necessary
time and attention to your
duties.
There are other situations in which a conflict of interest
may arise. If you have concerns about any situation, follow
the steps outlined in the Section on “Reporting
Ethical Violations” below.
Business Opportunities
You are responsible for advancing Norris’ business
interests where the opportunity to do so arises. In addition
to avoiding conflicts of interest, you must not take for
yourself or divert to others any business opportunity
or idea discovered in the course of employment in which
Norris might have an interest.
Gifts, Bribes and Kickbacks
Other than for modest gifts given or received in the
normal course of business (including travel or entertainment)
which could not be considered as business inducements,
neither you nor your relatives may give gifts to, or receive
gifts from, Norris’ customers and suppliers. Gifts
should not be accepted from a supplier or potential supplier
during, or in connection with, contract negotiations.
Accepting cash or cash equivalents, including checks,
money orders, vouchers, gift certificates, loans, stock
or stock options, is not acceptable in any circumstances.
Other gifts may be given or accepted only with prior approval
of your senior management. In no event should you put
Norris or yourself in a position that would be embarrassing
if the gift were made public.
Dealing with government employees is often different
than dealing with private persons. Many governmental bodies
strictly prohibit the receipt of any gratuities by their
employees, including meals and entertainment. You must
be aware of and strictly follow these prohibitions.
Any employee who pays or receives bribes or kickbacks
will be immediately terminated and reported, as warranted,
to the appropriate authorities. A kickback or bribe includes
any item intended to improperly obtain favorable treatment.
International Operations
Norris conducts its affairs consistent with the applicable
laws and regulations of the countries where it does business.
Business practices, customs and laws differ from country
to country. When conflicts arise between Norris’ ethical
practices, and the practices, customs and laws of a country,
Norris seeks to resolve them consistent with its ethical
beliefs. If the conflict cannot be resolved consistent
with its ethical beliefs, Norris will not proceed with
the proposed action giving rise to the conflict. These
ethical standards reflect who we are and are the standards
by which we choose to be judged.
Norris also conducts its overseas business in accordance
with applicable U.S. laws, including the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act (“FCPA”) which applies to business
transactions both inside the U.S. and in other countries.
FCPA requirements relate to accurate and complete financial
books and records, transactions with foreign government
officials and prohibitions from directly or indirectly
offering to pay, or authorizing payment to, foreign government
officials for the purpose of influencing the acts or decisions
of foreign officials. Violation of the FCPA can bring
severe penalties and it is mandatory that all employees
living or working in a non U.S. country become familiar
with the FCPA and its requirements.
In addition, Norris fully complies with all applicable
U.S. laws governing imports, exports and the conduct of
business with non-U.S. entities. These laws contain limitations
on the types of products that may be imported into the
United States and the manner of importation. They also
place limitations or licensing requirements on the export
of some products to certain countries and prohibit exports
to, and most other transactions with, certain other countries
as well as cooperation with or participation in foreign
boycotts of countries that are not boycotted by the United
States. If you would like detailed guidance on these laws
and the countries to which they pertain, the Human Resources
Department can assist you.
Covering Up Mistakes; Falsifying Records
Mistakes should never be covered up, but should be immediately
and fully disclosed and corrected. Falsification of any
Norris, customer or third party record is prohibited.
Financial Integrity
Investors, creditors and others have legitimate interests
in Norris’ financial and accounting information.
The integrity of Norris’ financial reporting and
accounting records is based on the validity, accuracy
and completeness of the basic information supporting the
entries to Norris’ books and records. All financial
books, records and accounts must accurately reflect transactions
and events and conform to generally accepted accounting
principles and to Norris’ system of internal controls.
It is the responsibility of each employee to uphold these
standards.
Employees are expected to cooperate fully with Norris’ internal
audit function and its external auditors. Information
must not be falsified or concealed under any circumstances.
Examples of unethical financial or accounting practices
include:
- Making false entries that intentionally hide or
disguise the
true nature
of any transaction;
- Improperly accelerating or deferring the recording
of expenses
or revenues to achieve financial results or goals;
- Maintaining any undisclosed or unrecorded
funds or “off
the book” assets;
- Establishing or maintaining improper, misleading,
incomplete
or fraudulent
account documentation or financial reporting;
- Making any payment for purposes other than
those described
in documents
supporting the payment; and
- Signing any documents believed to be inaccurate
or untruthful.
Protection and Proper Use of Norris Property
Every employee must safeguard Norris property from loss
or theft, and may not take such property for personal
use. Norris property includes confidential information,
software, computers, office equipment, and supplies.
You must appropriately secure all Norris property within
your control to prevent its unauthorized use.
Norris’ email, internet and intranet systems are
to be used primarily for Norris business. In no event
may the systems be used for sending or receiving discriminatory
or harassing messages, chain letters, material which
is obscene or in bad taste, for commercial solicitations
or in any way that would otherwise violate this Code.
Norris and third-party software may not be copied, distributed
or disclosed without specific authorization. All third-party
software must be properly licensed. The license agreements
for such third-party software may place various restrictions
on the disclosure, use and copying of software, and such
restrictions must be honored.
Confidentiality and Proper Use of Norris, Customer or
Supplier Information
You may not use or reveal to others Norris, customer
or supplier confidential or proprietary information,
except as authorized by your senior management or as
legally required. This includes business methods, pricing
and marketing data, strategy, computer code, screens,
forms, experimental research, and information about Norris’ current,
former and prospective customers and employees.
Gathering Competitive Information
You may not accept, use or disclose improperly obtained
confidential information of our competitors. When obtaining
competitive information, you must not violate our competitors’ rights.
Particular care must be taken when dealing with competitors’ customers,
ex-customers and ex-employees. Never ask for or receive
confidential or proprietary competitive information.
Never ask a person to violate a non-compete or non-disclosure
agreement. If you are uncertain, the Human Resources
Department can assist you.
Record Retention
Norris business records must be maintained for the periods
specified in and in accordance with specific record retention
policy. Records may be destroyed only at the expiration
of the pertinent period. In no case may documents involved
in a pending or threatened litigation, government inquiry
or under subpoena or other information request be discarded
or destroyed, regardless of the period specified in the
applicable policy. In addition, you may never destroy,
alter, or conceal with an improper purpose any record
or otherwise impede any official proceedings either personally,
in conjunction with, or by attempting to influence, another
person.
Sales: Defamation and Misrepresentation
Aggressive selling should not include misstatements,
innuendo or rumors about our competition or their products
or financial condition. Do not make unsupportable promises
concerning Norris’ products.
Fair Dealing
No Norris employee should take unfair advantage of anyone
through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged
information, misrepresentation of material facts, or
any other unfair-dealing practice.
Securities Trading
It is illegal to buy or sell securities using material
information not available to the public. Persons who
give such undisclosed “inside” information
to others may be as liable as persons who trade securities
while possessing such information. Securities laws may
be violated if you, or any relatives or friends, trade
in securities of Norris, or any of its customers or suppliers,
while possessing “inside” information related
to that company. If you are uncertain, the Human Resources
Department can assist you.
Political Contributions
No company assets may be used for political contributions
except in compliance with all applicable laws and with
the consent of the Norris President. You may, however,
engage in political activity with your own resources
on your own time.
Workplace Safety
Norris is committed to providing safe and healthy work
environments and to being an environmentally responsible
corporate citizen. It is our policy to comply with all
applicable environmental, safety and health laws and
regulations. It is the responsibility of each employee
to comply with all company policies concerning violence,
harassment and similar matters in the workplace and substance
abuse.
We are dedicated to designing, constructing, maintaining
and operating facilities that protect our people and
physical resources. This includes providing and requiring
the use of adequate protective equipment and measures
and insisting that all work be done safely.
Waivers
There shall be no waiver of this Code.
Reporting Ethical Violations
Your conduct can reinforce an ethical atmosphere and
positively influence the conduct of fellow employees.
If you have evidence of a material violation of this
Code, you must report it.
To report questionable
accounting or auditing matters, you should use the procedures
established by the Human Resources Department for the
confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees,
as described on Norris’ website at http://www.norrisrods.com and on Norris’ intranet.
To report any
other type of ethics violations or misconduct, you should
report it in the first instance to your Human Resources
representative or to the appropriate level of management
at your location.
If you are still concerned after speaking with your
Human Resources representative and local management
or feel uncomfortable speaking with them (for whatever
reason), you should follow the complaints procedure
established and posted by Norris. If this procedure
does not function correctly, you may contact the President
or anonymously send a note, with relevant documents,
to Norris, 4801 West 49th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74107;
Attention: Human Resources Department. If requested,
your letters will be dealt with anonymously and confidentially.
You have Norris’ commitment that you will be
protected
from retaliation for reports made in good faith.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, you are the guardian of Norris’ high
ethical standards. While there are no universal rules,
when in doubt ask yourself:
- Will my actions be ethical in every respect
and fully comply with the law and with Norris policies?
-
Will my actions
have the appearance of impropriety?
-
Will my actions
be questioned by my supervisors, fellow employees,
customers, family and the general public?
-
Am I trying
to fool anyone, including myself, as to the propriety
of my actions?
If you are uncomfortable with your answer to any of
the above, you should not take the contemplated actions
without first discussing them with your management.
If you are still uncomfortable, please follow the steps
outlined above in the Section on “Reporting Ethical
Violations ”.
Any employee who ignores or violates this Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics, and any manager who penalizes
a subordinate for trying to follow this Code, will
be subject to corrective action, which may include
immediate dismissal. However, it is not the threat
of discipline that should govern your actions. We hope
you share our belief that a dedicated commitment to
ethical behavior is the right thing to do, is good
business, and is the surest way for Norris to remain
a highly successful company.
A copy of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
can be found
on Norris’ website at http://www.norrisrods.com and
on Norris ’ intranet. Adopted
by Norris management
30 April 2004
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
EMPLOYEE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
I acknowledge receipt of the Norris Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”).
I acknowledge that I have the responsibility to read,
understand and fully comply with each and every provision
of the Code. I further acknowledge that by executing
this Acknowledgement Form I represent that I am not
in violation of the Code. I further acknowledge that
my violation of any of the provisions of the Code could
result in disciplinary action, up to and including
immediate termination of my employment.
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