DNPA Code of Ethics for Tazatale
Purpose
At Tazatale, we uphold the highest ethical standards in conducting our news and editorial activities. Every team member is expected to act with integrity, ensuring compliance with laws and avoiding any conduct driven by personal benefit.
This Code outlines our policy regarding:
- Gifts, favors, entertainment, and payments given or received,
- Conflicts of interest,
- Confidentiality, social media behavior, and journalistic ethics.
General Policy Application
Gifts, Favors, and Payments by Tazatale
Gifts and entertainment offered by the company must:
- Align with accepted business practices,
- Be modest in value and not appear as bribes,
- Comply with laws and ethical norms,
- Be such that public disclosure would not cause embarrassment.
Payments or benefits given to customers or their associates outside formal contracts are prohibited.
Gifts, Favors, and Entertainment Received
Tazatale associates must not accept gifts, entertainment, or payments unless they serve a legitimate business purpose. Examples of acceptable practices include:
- Occasional business meals,
- Small value items like pens or calendars,
- Event tickets with vendor attendance (and prior approval),
- Perishable holiday gifts,
- Day outings with vendor participation and prior approval.
Cash or equivalent gifts (e.g., stocks, bonds) are strictly prohibited. Use of vendor facilities is generally not allowed unless the vendor is present, and the visit is infrequent and approved.
Conflict of Interest
Associates must avoid conflicts between personal and company interests. Disclosure is required for:
- Ownership in businesses related to or competing with Tazatale,
- Serving in external roles for such businesses (CEO approval required),
- Acting on behalf of third parties in company matters,
- Any other situation that may affect objectivity.
Confidential Information
Unauthorized disclosure or misuse of confidential information (including plans, employee data, and sensitive content) is forbidden and subject to disciplinary action, up to termination.
Compliance
Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary measures or dismissal. Employees must report known breaches to their management. Company officers and VPs are responsible for enforcing these standards within their areas.
Social Media Guidelines
- Use good judgment: Everything you post may become public and permanent.
- Know the platform: Social media includes all forms of online posting and communication.
- Respect company policies: Inappropriate content (e.g., harassment, threats) is not tolerated.
- Be responsible: You are accountable for your posts, even after deletion.
- Speak personally: Clarify that your opinions are your own, not Tazatale’s.
- Maintain professionalism: Avoid offensive or harmful content. Respect others’ privacy.
- Follow the law: Do not post confidential or copyrighted material without permission.
- Report violations: Concerns about misconduct must be raised with HR. Retaliation is not tolerated.
Plagiarism Policy
Tazatale maintains a zero-tolerance policy on plagiarism. All content must be original or properly attributed.
Fairness in Journalism
Reporters must:
- Strive to present both sides of every story,
- Provide a fair opportunity for subjects to respond to allegations,
- Ensure detailed and balanced reporting.