1.
FilNet Code of Ethics
FilNet is an association of Information Technology professionals and as
such must be seen and respected as one. The objective of establishing the FilNet's
code of ethics is to provide its members with a set of guidelines to help us conduct
ourselves within the bounds of professionalism, gain the respect of the community and
avoid any potential liabilities against FilNet's members or the public. Our code of
ethics will be our guide in conducting official FilNet functions.
2. Earning Trust and Respect
FilNet's Code of Ethics
will center around two very important attributes: Respectability and Trustworthiness.
Respect and Trust are attributes that
are earned either individually or collectively. To avoid the pitfalls that have caused the
downfall of many organizations, we, as a group, need to project an image of
professionalism and respectability. Trustworthiness only follows when one can be
respected. We, either individually or collectively, can earn each other’s trust or
that of the public, only when we are seen to be honest, sincere and truthful in what we
intend to do. It is very hard to gain somebody’s trust, but it is extremely easy to
lose it. The integrity of FilNet as an organization or our integrity as individual members
depends highly on how we conduct ourselves and how we treat others.
Guildlines:
q To earn respect we must first show respect for each other and
those outside FilNet.
q Do not belittle or put others down regardless of their ideas,
their technical experience level or position in the society. Everyone has his or her own
strengths that may not be apparent at first glance.
q We must be accountable for what we do.
3. Having Fun
q While FilNet is serious about its objectives, we will ensure that
we as a group attain these objectives in a fun and friendly way.
q We will incorporate social functions, sports and entertainment
among our activities to promote interaction, familiarity, camaraderie and friendship
within the group. Participation by family members in these activities is strongly
recommended.
4. Ensuring Freedom of
Expression
Everyone has the right to
express his or her own opinion and submit ideas to the group. However, some ideas or
suggestions may be detrimental to FilNet or its objectives and may not be conducive
to establishing harmony within the group or in projecting an image of professionalism and
respectability. On such issues, we as a group must first consider the implications of
discussing topics that may be deemed to cause conflicts or potential damage to the
organization or the public.
Guildlines:
q During official FilNet functions, try to avoid presenting
or discussing topics or those subjects that will not bring benefit to the group.
q Try to accommodate those who have suggestions, opinions to
express or ideas to offer. Give everyone the opportunity to express himself/herself.
q Members of FilNet are seen to be professional and mature
individuals who are adept at discussing complex matters. However, conflicts may arise from
disagreements between members about ideas, suggestions or opinions expressed during
official FilNet functions. When such conflicts occur, FilNet will take a
stand based on consensus among its members. Such consensus must take into account the
interest of FilNet first. A majority of votes defined as votes by more than
fifty percent (e.g., 51%) of the attending members shall be accepted as consensus
among FilNet.
q Try to give advanced notice of topics to be discussed during
official FilNet functions in order to give members ample time to prepare questions
or discuss his opinion or knowledge of the subject.
If
you are unable to attend an official FilNet function during which a topic that is
announced in advanced will be presented or discussed but would like to submit your opinion
or ideas about the subject matter, you may present your idea by sending FilNet a
notice prior to the function or have it presented or you represented by another member.
5. Personal Financial Gain
FilNet is a social,
non-profit group whose primary objective is to serve as a forum for IT discussions. We
expect the members to benefit from an exchange of information during such discussions or
to benefit from having association with individuals in IT. However, we would like
to discourage those who seek to directly gain financially from this group.
Guildlines:
q Because of the non-profit nature of the Society, FilNet's Members
or Officers may not receive salaries directly from the organization.
q Job referrals through the individual members of FilNet are
acceptable.
q Referral fees obtained by members from his or her company as a
result of that company’s policy on hiring through referrals should not be deemed as
making financial gains through this group.
q No one may profit from "selling" or disseminating
information specific to FilNet or its members.
q Members may sell products or services to other members so long as
it is conducted outside the normal FilNet functions. Such products or services must
not be seen as being endorsed by FilNet.
q When inviting others to join, please emphasize the non-profit
aspect of our group.
q The membership mailing list may not be distributed to external
parties whether for profit or not unless agreed to by the members.
q FilNet must not be seen as promoting individual business
ventures or endorsing products or services for a fee.
We may provide references for members who we personally know but may not, as an
organization, endorse individuals, businesses or make product recommendations.
6. Confidentiality of
Information
During
official functions, we will strive to avoid topics or discussions involving individual
personal situations or proprietary company information. In the event that a consensus
among the members requires that such topics be covered, FilNet will take into
consideration any potential liability and privacy issues before such discussions can take
place.
Information
discussed during official FilNet functions that does not appear, on the
surface, to be sensitive or confidential could be potentially damaging to its members or
other parties. Care must be taken in dealing with information discussed in such functions.
The following guidelines should help avoid potential liabilities.
Guidelines:
q FilNet reserves the right to publish information about it
or its members for the purposes of marketing, promotion and announcements. However, it
will not knowingly publish information that it knows is private, secret and/or
confidential.
q Each member has the right to refuse the dissemination of
information about him or her to external parties by FilNet or any of its members.
Such member must state his or her refusal at the time of joining FilNet or any time
there is potential or anticipated action to release information related to that member.
q Use your own discretion before relaying information discussed
during FilNet functions or any information obtained from the members to others. Do
not assume that all information covered in our meetings is public information.
q FilNet shall not be liable for actions by its members.
q Before discussing technical data about your company during FilNet
official functions or with FilNet members at any time, make sure that you are not
breaking confidentiality agreement between you and your company by discussing this
information.
q If you would like to volunteer technical information about your
company during FilNet official functions or with any members of FilNet that
you think could be confidential or proprietary information, make sure you obtain written
authorization from your company to do so.
FilNet
shall abide by the BC Privacy and Access to Information Act.
7. Personal and Career
Development
One of the objectives of FilNet
is to assist those who need guidance in terms of career plans or in obtaining technical
knowledge. Members may seek the assistance of the other members in pursuing these
objectives under the following guidelines:
q Technical presentations during official FilNet functions
must be prepared with the objectives of FilNet and the benefit of the members in
mind.
q Technical information may be disseminated within the group so
long as the source of information or its correctness can be verified, or that it is
non-confidential.
q Members may seek technical information from other members in
order to develop technical skills in IT. However, such knowledge gained or any technical
information obtained during official FilNet functions shall not be deemed as
recommended substitute to official technical certification or attendance at a recognized
technical institution.
q FilNet may not issue technical certification guaranteeing
technical knowledge and skill at any levels.
q Members may seek guidance from other members with respect to job
prospects within the other members companies. However, it would be up to the member's
discretion whether to evaluate the benefits of providing such guidance.
FilNet
encourages members to provide advice or to assist other members in matters relating to
technology information, technical skills or career prospects. However, it will not force
its members to do so.
8. Promoting the Filipino
Culture
q FilNet is a cultural group as much as it is an IT association. As
a Filipino cultural organization within this multi-cultural society of Canada, it is the
objective of FilNet to promote and preserve the Filipino culture and traditions without
taking anything away from our duties as Canadians. We should be proud to declare ourselves
"Canadians of Filipino origin".
q We will strive to ensure that the talents, achievements and
skills of Filipino-Canadians in IT are recognized. By doing so, we will ensure that our
presence in the Canadian IT scene is strongly felt.
q FilNet will participate in cultural activities in Canada, but
will avoid any political associations nor promote specific political parties within the
Filipino community or within the Canadian society in general.
We
will accomplish the above while at the same time, recognizing other cultures and their
contributions to Canada.
9. "Official
FilNet Functions"
q "Official FilNet functions" are events such as
meetings and gatherings held for the purposes of pursuing the interest and objectives of
the organization.
q Official FilNet functions shall be scheduled and announced
with advanced notice to members via e-mail, telephone calls, newsletter, web site
announcements or through other medium.
q Meetings or discussions among individual members of FilNet outside
of scheduled and announced functions will not be considered official FilNet functions
or be sanctioned as such unless carried out in conjunction with a directive from or under
mandate from the FilNet Board of Directors.
q Members of FilNet will conduct themselves during official FilNet
functions according to the guidelines established in this document.
q The location, time and duration of official FilNet
functions will be established under consensus among members present during the planning
for such functions.
q Non-members may attend official FilNet functions and may
express their opinions and submit ideas. However, they may not cast any votes when such
votes are required.
q Any incidents causing harm or injury to any individuals or damage
to property during official FilNet functions shall not be the liability of the
organization.
This FilNet document was prepared by:
Manny Masongsong
MIS Development Group Leader
Vancouver Stock Exchange
Saturday, February 20, 1999
Last Revised: Friday, April 21, 2000
