Heidrick & Struggles | Our Code of Business Conduct




>		`Leading the way introduction`

>		`Leading the way for our employees`

>		Leading the way for our clients

>		Leading the way for our candidates

>		Leading the way for our company, our investors and our shareholders

>		Leading the way to avoid conflicts of interest

>		Leading the way for our business partners

>		Leading the way for our industry and the marketplace

>		Leading the way for our communities, the public and as a good corporate citizen

>		Leading the way to protect our assets

>		Leading the way what to do and where to go when you need help




George and Bob were scheduled to have lunch this week, and while George was looking forward to reconnecting with his former colleague, he was dreading hearing about Bob’s problems. Things hadn’t gone well for Bob the past two years. Perhaps he had lost his drive, or maybe he was just having a run of bad luck. Or maybe, as George suspected was the reason he had “left” Heidrick & Struggles in the first place, he was enjoying a few too many three-martini lunches. Given their line of work, George thought, it could just as easily be him in Bob’s shoes. Maybe there was something he could do to help Bob get back in the game, like give him the active candidates list that was just circulated for the new energy client. After all, they were just names, nothing else. Could that really hurt Heidrick & Struggles? Could it really hurt the client? Wouldn’t Bob do the same for him?	>		Our Commitment

			Heidrick & Struggles is able to successfully do its work because of the reputation and trust it has earned with companies of all sizes from around the world. We must protect those assets of reputation, trust, credibility, transparency and honesty by always engaging in ethical and thoughtful behavior.

	>		Conflicts of Interest

			A conflict of interest arises when an employee becomes involved in any business or other activity that may conflict with the best interests of the company. As an executive search and leadership consulting firm, we act in a representative capacity on behalf of our clients, so situations that could create conflicts of interest are of special relevance.

	>		Employees

			Avoiding conflicts of interest depends primarily on the common sense and good judgment of our employees. But here are some examples of potential conflicts for your reference:

		>	Competing against the company in any capacity.

		>	Providing assistance to other executive search or leadership consulting companies or to organizations that are competing with a client of the company.

		>	Engaging in outside employment or other activities that encroach on the full business time and attention necessary for employees to carry out their responsibilities to the company.

		>	Selling products or services to the company or to clients.

		>	Having any significant financial interest or receiving compensation or any benefits from a competitor of the company or any of its clients.

		>	Encouraging the company to do business with someone where a financial interest might be involved without first disclosing that information to the company.

		>	Encouraging a client of the company to do business with someone where a financial interest might be involved, without first disclosing that situation to the company and to the client.

	>		Clients

			As employees of Heidrick & Struggles, it is important that we never do anything to undermine the integrity of the company. We must not take on any assignments or additional work that would compete with our company, or let our dealings on behalf of Heidrick & Struggles be influenced or appear to be influenced by personal or family interests. Examples of client-specific conflicts of interest include but are not limited to:

		>	Participating in a venture in which Heidrick & Struggles has, or might have, an interest.

		>	Receiving a gift, favor, loan, special service, payment or special treatment of any kind from any individual or organization that does or seeks to do business with Heidrick & Struggles, or that competes with Heidrick & Struggles, unless each of the following apply:

			>	It would be consistent with good business practices.

			>	It could not be construed as a business inducement.

			>	It is of nominal value.

			>	Public disclosure of the transaction would not embarrass Heidrick & Struggles or the recipient.

		>	Giving a gift, favor, loan, special service, payment or special treatment of any kind designed to improperly influence an individual, company or governmental official in a way that gives Heidrick & Struggles or the director, partner, officer or employee an advantage.

			Where there is a potential conflict of interest, it must be referred to our Chief Legal Officer.

	>		Vendors and Suppliers

			Following are situations where conflicts of interest could arise:

		>	Exerting influence to obtain “special treatment” from or for a particular vendor.

		>	Making payment to a supplier or any other party that does not represent fair and reasonable consideration for products or services actually supplied.

		>	Accepting any payment or improper gratuity from a vendor.

		>	Selecting a vendor because of a personal or family relationship, financial interest or other incentive. If you would like to do business with a family member or friend, it is necessary to first receive approval to do so from our Legal Department.