Open Ethics Code of Conduct

Do not harm

I will consciously avoid harmful actions or omissions. Am I doing the right thing? Can my action or inaction harm someone? What should I do to prevent harm from happening? How do I make sure that I am acting in the best interest of the community?

Inclusion

I believe that we best develop and enrich our own culture through the communication and contribution of diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds. I won’t discriminate on any ground against other members. Does my attitude allow others to freely express and act? How do I foster diversity of thoughts and backgrounds in the conversation? Is my attitude inclusive?

Conflicts of interest

I understand that conflicts of interest can impact the decisions we make, erode trust within teams, and harm the organization’s reputation. Which scenarios bring conflicts of interests? Am I transparently disclosing conflicts of interests if they arise?

IP and confidentiality

I recognize the value of information and ideas, whether they belong to the Open Ethics Initiative or to someone else. I will respect the privacy of the other members. I will fuel the open-source nature of the initiative, while respecting licensing terms and confidentiality of information before ideas are made public. Are my actions building or eroding trust? Am I disclosing confidential information? What is the impact of this information disclosed at a wrong time?

Disclosure

I will openly explain and take appropriate action regarding possible technology and operational risks that could affect individuals or other organizations. What are the possible risks? How disclosure could help to mitigate those risks?

Credit originality

I will give credit when credit is due, I will not plagiarize, and I will only take credit for my own original work. Am I using resources developed by others? Do I use proper citations and references to give credit?  How do I say “Thank you?” in the most generous way?

Corruption

I understand that all forms of bribery are prohibited regardless of local customs. I won’t pay any bribes, kickbacks or facilitate  payments at any time for any reason.

Law

I will respect the laws whenever and wherever I conduct business. I will do so to build trust with communities, strengthen them, and contribute to fair societies.

Vulnerability

I recognize our special commitments to vulnerable societal groups such as children, seniors, or individuals with low socioeconomic status. Is my attitude or actions towards them changing things for better or for worse? How could I help?

Cultural boundaries

While the Open Ethics Initiative is bound by the laws and regulations in which the organization is incorporated (Estonia, EU), I will act to increase awareness of any local legal requirements and cultural differences, and present our initiative’s culture as sensitively as possible.

Partnerships

I recognize that the success of the initiative relies on a large network of partners such as vendors, funds, and consultants and that their actions reflect on our initiative’s reputation as much as our own. Are our partners doing business with integrity? What can I do to ensure that our partners are committed to our values?

Political activity

I will make sure my political participation won’t give rise to an improper appearance of partiality. I will not attribute my political affiliation, nor my personal contributions to any political cause, party, candidate or charity as coming from the Open Ethics Initiative.

Representation

I contribute and I share my ideas as a member of the Open Ethics Initiative, but I won’t speak or write on behalf of the whole Open Ethics community/organization.