Gifts Hospitality and Travel
We avoid business courtesies that may be perceived as impacting business decisions.
What we need to know
Business courtesies such as gifts, hospitality and travel may create a conflict of interest or be considered bribery in certain circumstances
Gifts are something given without the expectation of anything in return, including goodwill
Hospitality takes many forms, including meals and beverages, seminars, receptions, social events and entertainment
Travel includes the costs of transportation including taxis, buses, trains, flights, accommodation and hotels and other incidental travel costs
Business partners, including public officials, may need to comply with strict rules on what they may give or receive
What is expected of all of us
We never offer or accept business courtesies which could, or could be perceived to, improperly influence a business decision
We never offer or accept cash, cash equivalents or expensive and extravagant gifts
We do not offer or accept gifts except promotional items, of minimal value normally bearing a company logo, and only when it would be customary to do so
Should an employee receive a gift that is not in compliance with these rules, it shall be returned or be turned over to Telenor as soon as possible
We may offer or accept hospitality when the business purpose is clear and legitimate, the costs are reasonable, and the context is open and transparent, but we prefer to cover our own costs
We always pay our own costs for travel, accommodation and related expenses. Likewise, we do not pay for travel, accommodation and related expenses for others
As a main rule, we do not allow business courtesies to be extended to family or close friends. Any exceptions require documented risk assessment, pre-approval by management and involvement of the Compliance Function.
We always discuss offering or accepting business courtesies with our immediate supervisor
What to look out for
If business courtesies are offered during sensitive situations such as ongoing negotiations or procurement processes
If asked to sponsor, donate or contribute to faith-based organizations, political, governmental, military, police and/or other public institutions and entities
If we become aware of business courtesies that are not offered or accepted in an open and transparent manner
If we believe that offering or accepting business courtesies could lead others to question our independence, objectivity or integrity
If we become aware of repeated offers to or from the same business partner, or a related one