Financial
resultsCorporate Ethics
Massmart recognises that unethical practice in our internal operations and/or our supply chain has the potential to damage our brands, undermine stakeholder trust and tarnish the Group’s reputation. Our expected standard of ethical behaviour is described in the Massmart Code of Ethical Conduct and Whistle-blowing Policy.
In March 2011, the 2004 Code of Ethical Conduct was revised. This was because an ethics survey that was conducted in 2009 indicated that not all employees understood how the principles align with Massmart's values and more information was needed on how to seek guidance and report unethical behavior. In addition to this, a new Whistle-blowing Policy was introduced to Massmart. This policy provides clarity to all Massmart employees and suppliers that they can raise breaches of the Massmart Code of Ethical Conduct without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination and disadvantage.
We promote the principles and standards contained within these codes, with differing degrees of success, to both our employees and suppliers through activities that include:
- Appointing a trained and accredited Ethics Officer at Group level and in each of the Group’s four divisions;
- Conducting employee ethics awareness presentations and distributing related promotional material;
- Operating an anonymous Ethics Line;
The Group Ethics Forum meets twice a year where the call statistics and trends are discussed. The appointment of Ethics Officers in all Divisions, and the formulation and regular meetings of the Group Ethics Forum have ensured the continued focus on the consistent application of ethics practice and training within Massmart.
Report unethical conduct to the Massmart Ethics Line on 0800 203 246 and Massmart@ethics-line.com
