Code of Corporate Ethics

1. Definitions and abbreviations.

2. Purpose and area of application. 

3. Corporate values and principles.

4. Basic ethical principles shaping appropriate business conduct for University employees.

5. Standards of business and corporate ethics.

5.1. Ethics of Employee Relations.

5.2. The ethics of dealing with business partners.

5.3. Ethics of public relations.

5.4. Ethics of media relations.

6. Countering corruption.

7. Work meetings, appointments, negotiations.

8. Feedback and business correspondence.

9. Professional image: appearance.

10. Privacy.

11. Participation in political, religious and civil society organisations.

12. Exploitation of official position.

13. Environment, health and safety.

14. Responsibility. Compliance with the Code.

15. Rights and duties of the Ombudsman.

16. Final provisions.

1. Definitions and abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in this Code of Corporate Ethics. 

University - Educational Institution “Almaty Management University”;

AlmaU - Educational Institution “Almaty Management University”;

Code - this Code of Corporate Ethics of the University. The Code defines the basic norms and rules of individual and collective behavior of all university employees without exception;

EC - Employment contract;

Employer - the University with which the Employee has an employment relationship;

Employee - a natural person who has an employment relationship with an employer and directly performs work under an employment contract;

• - teaching staff;
• - administrative and managerial staff - all employees of the University except for teaching staff;

Ethics - a set of standards of behavior;

Corporate ethics - a set of ethical principles and standards of business communication that guide the activities of all University employees;

Corporate culture - a set of norms, rules, values, ethical standards embodied in various aspects of the University's activities and which make it unique;

A conflict of interest - a situation in which an employee's personal interest affects or may affect the impartial performance of job duties;

The Ombudsman - a person appointed by the Rector of the University (possibly an employee) who promotes and enforces the principles of corporate ethics within the University.

2. Purpose and area of application

2.1. The Code of Corporate Ethics (hereinafter referred to as the Code) is an act of the Educational Institution "Almaty Management University" (hereinafter referred to as the University) and determines the basic norms and rules of individual and collective conduct of all Employees, including the teaching staff (hereinafter referred to as the Faculty) without exception.

2.2. This Code is introduced in order to strengthen and develop the corporate culture of the University, to increase the level of motivation of Employees to consciously support the strategy, image, authority, best traditions inherent in the University, aimed at enhancing the prestige of the University in the national and global educational space.

2.3. This Code is developed in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the acts and Charter of the University. 

2.4. This Code is a set of principles, norms and rules of internal corporate conduct, social responsibility and other business ethics issues accepted for University Employees.

2.5. The provisions of the Code should be understandable and clear to all its Employees, but the Code cannot provide exhaustive regulation of all issues relating to ethical corporate conduct that may arise at the University. In the event that any issue is not covered by the Code or if there is a dispute when an Employee has questions or doubts about the propriety of his/her actions, the actions of his/her colleagues or the proper understanding of the provisions of this Code, he/she should contact his/her line manager or the Corporate Ethics Committee.

2.6. The purposes of the Code are to create a sustainable corporate culture and system of corporate values, reaffirming the University's continued commitment to high standards of business conduct, including:

• promoting and defending the University's business ethics;
• to regulate and streamline the corporate conduct of Employees in complex and controversial situations in terms of ethics, integrity and honesty;
• enhancing the University's corporate culture.

2.7. The main objectives of the Code are:

• contribute to the achievement of the strategic objectives of the University;
• orienting Employees to shared corporate values and enhancing the corporate culture of the University;
• understanding and application of internal ethical standards by Employees in day-to-day activities;
• prevention of conflicts of interest, as well as their effective resolution when they arise;
• rapid adaptation of new Employees to the work process and working conditions at the University.

2.8. By adopting, periodically improving and strictly observing the provisions of the Code, the University confirms its intention to promote and improve business conduct based on the principles of ethics and responsibility.

2.9. The Code is intended to set out the University's system of values that guide business behavior and shape the reputation of the Company.

2.10. The university adopts and follows the provisions of this code in its relations with AMS and Faculty, students and stakeholders, for making business decisions, both strategically important and in day-to-day situations.

2.11. The Code serves as the basis for the formation of relationships within the University, respect for pedagogical activity in the public consciousness, self-control of pedagogical Employees and is to be communicated to all participants in the educational process.

3. Corporate values and principles

The underlying corporate values, which form the basis of the University's activities, are:

3.1.  Partnerships for the benefit of society

Implementation of the "Win-Win-Win" principle, whereby any mutually beneficial cooperation between two parties (Win-Win) should benefit, and synergise, a third party - society (Win). 

3.2. Leadership

The proactive "I am a Leader" mindset of every AlmaU student, staff member, teacher and partner enables them to be agents of change, demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking and culture, manage themselves, their emotions, their development, demonstrate their own individuality, have dignity and honour, and respect themselves and others. 

3.3. Freedom

AlmaU promotes the philosophy of freedom of spirit, thought and speech, the value of work-life balance. We hold high the foundations of academic, research and entrepreneurial freedom. 

3.4. Responsibility

AlmaU is accountable for its results to its partners, customers, colleagues and society at large by anticipating the needs of society, working proactively. 

3.5. Team spirit and synergy

The success of a university depends on the team of people, its composition, professionalism, efficiency, cohesion, focus on results and synergy.

4. Basic ethical principles shaping appropriate business conduct for University employees

4.1. Integrity

The University shall make every effort to prevent any situation in which the personal interests of Employees may be in conflict with the interests of the Company. Any abuse of authority for their own benefit or for the benefit of third parties or to the detriment of the University must be avoided.

4.2. Honesty and objectivity

All managerial decisions and actions of University Employees are characterised by honesty, openness and objectivity. Biased attitudes towards both their job responsibilities and their colleagues are not tolerated.

4.3. Image and reputation

Management decisions and actions of Employees shall be consistent with the objectives of maintaining a positive image of the University. Employees shall direct their efforts to prevent situations where their actions could have a negative impact on the University's business reputation.

4.4. Transparency

The activities of Employees are aimed at information transparency, providing all interested parties with accurate, complete and objective information about their activities, subject to the principle of confidentiality where necessary and not contrary to the law.

4.5. Respect

The University follows the principles of respect for others and integrity. Respect and trust allow us to improve efficiency by reducing bureaucratic and administrative barriers, while remaining a dynamic and effective team. Every Employee, regardless of their position, treats their colleagues with understanding and respect.

5. Standards of business and corporate ethics

5.1. Ethics of Employee Relations

5.1.1. Employees of the University undertake to perform their professional functions in good faith and reasonably in the interests of the University, avoiding conflicts of interest.

5.1.2. In order to achieve the strategic objectives of the University, make business decisions taking into account the fundamental values and principles of business ethics and are responsible for the implementation of the tasks set for them as stipulated by the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the internal acts of the University.

5.1.3. Employees should be guided in the performance of their duties by the interests of the University and not by personal relationships or personal gain.

5.1.4. Each Employee is obliged to follow in good faith the principles stipulated in this Code, comply with the requirements of the employment contract, work regulations, job descriptions, regulations and other acts of the University, and be aware of his/her personal responsibility for their violation or non-compliance.

5.1.5. When hiring new Employees, the University shall be guided by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the requirements of the acts of the University, giving preference to candidates with higher qualifications and work experience, without any discrimination on any grounds. Recruitment and promotion shall be based solely on professional ability, knowledge and skills.

5.1.6. The University encourages Employees who seek self-education and professional development and creates equal and optimal conditions for the professional development of Employees at all levels in accordance with the training and professional development programmes of Employees.

5.1.7. The University's occupational health and safety policy is to ensure a safe working environment and to improve the health of Employees.

5.1.8. Employees should make every effort to work in a professional manner, treat the property of the University with care and use it efficiently and effectively.

5.1.9. The University is responsible for making decisions free from conflict of interest at any stage of the process.

5.1.10. Employees of the University should conduct themselves in such a way as to prevent any situation in which a Conflict of Interest may arise, either in relation to themselves (or their associates) or others.

5.1.11. Employees provide each other with accurate information in a timely manner, without breaching confidentiality rules and subject to the decisions of the Managers and University regulations.

5.1.12. Decision-making by the University administration should be based on the principles of transparency and adequacy.

5.1.13. There shall be no discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, race, politics, religion or any other such grounds.

5.1.14. Any situation leading to a violation of the rights of Employees shall be dealt with in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the internal documents of the University.

5.1.15. Managers at all levels should make managerial decisions consistent with the Code, moreover they should strive to demonstrate commitment to the Code by example, devote time to consultation and mentoring and to team-building with a common mission, values and principles.

5.1.16. Relations between University Employees are based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, goodwill, honesty and non-judgment. Observing the norms of etiquette, the University employees shall:

• Do not tolerate rudeness, use of an elevated tone of voice with colleagues, profanity or insults to honour and dignity;
• Do not commit unethical acts or cause moral or material damage;
• Do not show intemperance, defiance or aggression;
• Do not show their colleagues their bad moods;
• Do not discuss the salaries of co-workers;
• Do not discuss personal or professional qualities of colleagues in their absence;
• Promote a stable and positive team environment;
• Create and maintain an ethically comfortable work environment;
• Always open and willing to communicate in a constructive and result-oriented way;
• Always ready to help whoever asks for help;
• Proactive and make suggestions to improve the activities of the University;
• Punctual, clear and on time in fulfilling their obligations to the University and to their colleagues;\
• Uses his/her working time and the time of his/her colleagues rationally;
• Handle University property and equipment with care, following the instructions set out in internal documents which help to handle its equipment or resources properly;
• Always comply with health and safety regulations and maintain a safe working environment;
• Accurately reflect transactions in the financial statements and other accounting documents in accordance with the principle of transparency of the University;
• Do not damage the reputation of the University and/or its Employees;
• Not use their official position to resolve a conflict situation for their own benefit and/or for the benefit of themselves or third parties associated with such Employee;
• Do not disseminate inaccurate information, conceal or distort facts, misuse information obtained in the course of their official duties in their work or in their dealings with the media
• Comply with the Personal Data Protection Act of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• Not disclose colleagues' mobile phone numbers to third parties without their permission/

5.2. The ethics of dealing with business partners

5.2.1. The University pays particular attention to maintaining and developing sustainable and trusting relationships with stakeholders, both in the short and long term.

5.2.2. The University values its business reputation and image. The University's external relations are based on the principles of mutual respect, openness, honesty, responsibility and transparency.

5.2.3. The University complies with the terms of contracts/agreements with business partners and fulfils its obligations towards them.

5.2.4. The University guarantees the timely and full consideration of all applications, requests and complaints of partners. In case of disagreements and disputes, preference will be given to negotiations and compromise.

5.2.5. The University shall select suppliers of goods and services who offer the lowest prices, best quality, terms of delivery of goods, services and who are reputable, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

5.2.6. The University is committed to fair and free competition and condemns all forms of unfair competition, which may not only damage its reputation but also undermine the confidence of its partners in the University. In this regard, the University expects the same fair competition from its partners.

5.2.7. The University does not allow unreasonable benefits and privileges to be granted to business partners in its activities.