Our Responsibilities
Everyone’s Responsibilities
The following responsibilities and expectations apply equally to all employees:
- Comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations and the policies outlined in this Code.
- Seek guidance when we are unsure about any decision or situation.
- Report any suspected violation of this Code, the law or other policies and procedures. See Speaking Up and Seeking Help for more information.
- Certify that we have read and understood these policies and are committed to upholding HARMAN’s high levels of ethics and compliance. You can find the full text for the policies referenced throughout the Code on the HARMAN Hub or at the links included in the final section of this Code, Staying Connected.
- Identify risks that could impact HARMAN’s ability to meet business objectives and inform the appropriate risk owner per the HARMS Enterprise Risk Management process.
- Cooperate with any investigations of potential misconduct.
- Never retaliate against anyone who participates in an investigation.
Special Responsibilities of Managers
Managers have an additional responsibility to help employees understand our Code and policies. Managers are also expected to:
- Lead by example and model the highest ethical standards.
- Communicate clearly and often with employees about how they can support our values.
- Treat all employees fairly.
- Make sure employees complete training and understand the Code.
- Make sure that employees are comfortable reporting any violations or concerns by cultivating HARMANS’s zero tolerance retaliation policy.
- Personally report any Code or other policy violations in a timely manner.
Officers and Directors
HARMAN’s SLT and officers are accountable to HARMAN’s board of directors (the “Board”) for following and advocating that others follow the Code and principles governing their professional and ethical conduct. HARMAN’s SLT also serves as the bridge between employees and the Board, and is responsible for designing and implementing policies. Finally, the SLT must keep the Board apprised of compliance-related concerns and provide the support necessary to address any concerns.
Senior Leadership Team and Senior Management
HARMAN’s SLT is primarily responsible for setting the tone at the top. Led by the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, the SLT ensures that they are:
- Overseeing the drafting of, and any amendment to, this Code of Conduct.
- Determining that policies are clear and understandable.
- Overseeing the implementation of this Code.
- Overseeing any inquiries and investigations into alleged violations of this Code.
The Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, together with the SLT as appropriate, will also ensure that employees are:
- Conducting business ethically and following the Code.
- Trained in ethical business practices on a regular basis.