Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Table of Contents
Closing Note.................................................................................................. 28
Most people agree that what a person does is in this Code. Simply stated, it’s about “getting
much more important than what he or she says. results the right way.”
This is true for companies as well as individuals.
It is because of the actions of all Chevron Integrity, Trust, Diversity, Ingenuity,
employees that we enjoy such a strong reputation Partnership, Protecting People and the
for honesty and integrity throughout the world. Environment, and High Performance are all
core values of The Chevron Way that play a key
Preserving the trust of our stakeholders is part in our business conduct. At Chevron we
critical to Chevron’s future, and is everyone’s believe not only that we must apply the highest
responsibility. Our Business Conduct and Ethics ethical standards to our most innovative business
Code is designed to help each of us meet that ideas, but that those standards are critical to our
responsibility. It explains Chevron’s policies business success. We believe that when we apply
for how we conduct ourselves and how we our ethical principles to our business decisions, it
do business around the world. Each of us — positions the Company for success.
employees, officers, and members of the Board of
Directors alike — must commit to understanding These values continue to set Chevron apart and
this Code and abiding by its principles. guide our actions as we conduct our business When that test arises, this Code helps each of us
in a socially responsible and ethical manner. As to answer the following questions before we act:
The principles discussed in this Code support a corporation and as individuals we respect the • “Is this legal and in keeping with Company policy?”
full compliance with applicable laws. They also law, support universal human rights, protect the • “Is this consistent with The Chevron Way?” and
represent the practical ways that we put our environment, achieve operational excellence, and • “If this were made public, would I be comfortable?”
strongly held values to work every day. Our benefit the communities where we work. As we
corporate values, known to all employees and strive to live up to this reputation while doing
I encourage you to read and understand the Code
business partners worldwide as The Chevron Way, business in a competitive global environment, we
and most importantly to know where to go to get
serve as the foundation for all of the guidelines will sometimes encounter situations that will test
help, if and when the need arises.
our judgment and integrity.
Dave O’Reilly
Chairman of The Board
All of us must obey the letter and spirit of the law Authority and does not promptly report and correct it may
at all times, wherever we live or work. Each of the be subject to similar consequences.
countries where our Company does business has Besides knowing and understanding this Code,
its own laws, regulations and customs. Sometimes each of us must understand the level of authority The Board Audit Committee, supported by the
there can be significant differences from one place included in our job. We must all be careful to act Corporate Compliance Policy Committee, made
to another and between regions within a single within the limits of that authority. up of senior executives in the Company, governs
country. However, no matter where we work, we our Company-wide Compliance Program. Each
are all responsible for respecting all applicable Guidance reporting unit has its own compliance or audit
laws and following the policies in our Code. committee to manage the responsibilities specific
No code or manual can provide complete answers to that organization. This is also often the case for
to all questions. In the end, we must rely on business units within the reporting units.
our good sense of what our Company’s high
standards require. This includes knowing when
to seek guidance on the proper course of action. Reporting Possible Violations
We should expect timely and specific guidance Each of us must speak up promptly if there is any
from our supervisors, managers, the Chevron Law reason to suspect that anyone in Chevron or its
Department, the Corporate Compliance group or affiliates has violated Company policies or local
our local Compliance Coordinator. laws. We must also report any activity that could
damage the Company’s reputation. One resource
Some of us have jobs that require more detailed available to each of us is the Chevron Hotline.
knowledge of particular compliance topics than You can call or submit a report to the Hotline,
this Code provides. In this case, our managers which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
or supervisors will direct us to the appropriate
information in Corporate Policies and the Manual
of Compliance Procedures and Guidelines. Non-Retaliation Policy
Chevron does not tolerate any form of retaliation
Compliance for reports made in good faith. This includes
blatant actions, such as firing, transferring,
Each of us must comply with this Code, and demoting, or publicly attacking someone, as
with all Company policies. If we fail to do so, we well as more subtle retaliation, such as avoiding
may face disciplinary action, possibly including someone, leaving him or her out of professional
termination. Likewise, any supervisor, manager, or social activities, and so on. It includes actions
officer or director who is aware of any violation taken by managers and employees alike.
Q
information about applicable laws, Company policies, and compliance procedures relating to all subject
matter areas covered in the Business Conduct and Ethics Code. Visit Chevron’s Intranet at
If I see a questionable situation, is it better http://businessconduct.chevron.com/manual_compliance/
for me to call the Chevron Hotline or to talk to my
supervisor? Request Guidance or Voice Concerns
A
Contact your supervisor, your manager, Corporate Compliance or the Compliance liaison or coordinator
for your reporting unit.
You do not have to call the Chevron Hotline
if there is a way to resolve the situation through a Chevron Hotline
discussion with your supervisor, local management, Report any suspected violation of the law or Company policies. There are no negative consequences to
raising concerns in good faith using the hotline, and the Company assures employees that no retaliation
or your local Human Resources business partner.
will take place. Visit Chevron’s Intranet at http://corp-compliance.chevron.com/hotline/ for more information.
But the Chevron Hotline is an option for people who
for some reason are not comfortable discussing the
matter with their supervisor, local management, or
Human Resources business partner.
We are our Company’s most valuable resource should ever be subject to illegal discrimination on
and are essential to its success. In the course of the basis of:
our daily work, we use our creativity, experience, • race
technology and perseverance to find innovative • religion
and practical solutions to all challenges that arise.
• color
Our values of Ingenuity and High Performance
would be meaningless if Chevron did not have • national origin
the highest quality workforce possible and • age
continuously work to develop its employees. • sex
• gender identity
We Respect Diversity • disability
Diversity is also a fundamental value at Chevron. • veteran status
As stated in The Chevron Way, this means that • political preference
“we learn from and respect the cultures in which • sexual orientation
we work.” We also value “the uniqueness of
individuals and the various perspectives and In the United States, discrimination is prohibited
talents they provide.” We promote diversity in hiring, rate of pay, promotion, demotion,
within our work force and have an inclusive transfer, layoff or termination. Many other
environment that helps each of us to fully countries have similar anti-discrimination laws.
participate and contribute to Chevron’s success.
Q
made a job offer to a male. (I am a female.) I feel I
may have been discriminated against; what can I do?
A
I am a supervisor who has only one minority employee. Unfortunately this employee is having performance
problems. I am afraid to give a negative review for fear of being accused of discrimination. What should I do?
A
If you believe you are being discriminated
against, report this to your supervisor, a Human
Provide consistent feedback to all members of your group. Be fair in your evaluation and document
Resources representative or the Chevron Hotline.
Q
your proof with facts and examples. If you are accused of discrimination, the Company will support you. If you
need help, consult with your local Human Resources business partner.
Yesterday I had an argument with a co-worker
that almost escalated into a physical confrontation
when he challenged me to meet him outside. I believe For Additional Guidance:
he may try to harm me at some point. What can I do? Corporate Policies
A
200: Employment 226: Discipline 263: Drugs/Controlled Substances
Report this incident to your supervisor or 202: Harassment 230: Total Remuneration 264: Alcohol
210: Termination 256: Labor Relations 570: Security
your local Human Resources representative. Threats
of immediate concern should be referred to Global
Security and/or your local police department.
Additional Resources:
Employee Assistance and Worklife Services, which can help resolve personal, family and work-related
concerns or problems, including help with drug or alcohol problems: Visit the HR website at:
http://hr.chevron.com/.
Our Shared Responsibility these policies to the Internal Audit department or Company policy and the law and carries severe
the Chevron Hotline. penalties. Those consequences apply to any
Chevron’s books and records must be prepared dishonest or fraudulent activities, including
accurately and honestly, both by our accountants misusing or stealing Company assets or cheating
who prepare records of transactions and by any Internal Controls
on travel and entertainment expense reports,
of us who contribute to the creation of records, Reliable internal controls are critical for proper, among other violations. The Company relies on
for example, by submitting expense reports, job complete and accurate accounting. Each of us its internal controls and the personal integrity
logs, measurements and time sheets. All of our must understand the internal controls relevant of all its employees and directors to protect
books and records must be supported by enough to our positions, and follow the policies and Company assets against damage, theft and other
documentation to provide a complete, accurate, procedures related to those controls. We are all unauthorized use.
valid, and auditable record of the transaction. encouraged to talk to our managers or supervisors
immediately if we ever suspect that a control does
Fair and accurate books and records are essential not adequately detect or prevent inaccuracy, waste
for managing Chevron’s business and maintaining or fraud.
the accuracy and integrity of the Company’s
financial reporting and disclosure. This is true
for both reports filed with the U.S. Securities Audits
and Exchange Commission and for other public Audits performed by our internal and external
communications. Our commitment to the value auditors help ensure compliance with established
of Integrity is fundamental to the truthfulness of policies, procedures and controls. They also
financial reports the Company makes to the public. help identify potential weaknesses so they may
be corrected promptly. All of us are required to
Both Company policy and various laws, such cooperate fully with internal and external audits.
as the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), This means always providing clear and truthful
require the completeness and accuracy of our information and cooperating fully during the
records. Any attempt to conceal or misstate audit process.
information in Company records is a serious
offense and may result in disciplinary action and
criminal prosecution. Each of us is responsible Fraud
for reporting any suspected violations of the Engaging in any scheme to defraud anyone — of
Company’s accounting policies and procedures. money, property or honest services — violates
You should report any suspected violation of
Q
accurately?
A
records some transactions and these all affect the
financial reports. Be sure every transaction you
The auditor is not investigating to get anyone “in trouble.” His role is to ensure that our Company
record is accurate.
follows required policies and processes. You are responsible for understanding our document retention
At Chevron, we always expect one another to act Any activity that has the appearance of a conflict Reporting Units have the responsibility for
in the best interests of the Company. This means of interest — whether or not an actual conflict establishing guidelines for employees on
that business decisions should be made free from exists — must be avoided. If you think you may what is considered “nominal value” for
any conflict of interest. They should also appear be in a situation that could be perceived as a such gifts and entertainment.
impartial. We must make our decisions based on conflict, disclose the potential conflict to your • Give a gift or entertainment to anyone for
sound business reasoning. supervisor or manager immediately. Of course, if the purpose of improperly influencing him
any of us sees a conflict of interest at Chevron, we or her to take action in favor of Chevron.
Conflicts of interest may occur when an must report it.
individual’s outside activities or personal interests
conflict or appear to conflict with his or her Avoiding conflicts of interest in all of our If we ever feel that it may be appropriate to
responsibility to Chevron. An outside activity business decisions is essential to our values of accept a gift of more than nominal value, we
would be considered a conflict of interest if it: Integrity and Trust. should seek guidance from our supervisors.
• Has a negative impact on our business
interests Avoid Accepting or Giving Gifts, Fees,
• Negatively affects Chevron’s reputation or
Favors or Other Advantages
relations with others, or It is also a conflict of interest for a Chevron
• Interferes with an individual’s judgment in employee or director to give or receive
carrying out his or her job duties. extravagant gifts or entertainment to or from
people or companies doing business with
Employees and directors — and members of their Chevron. Therefore, we must not:
immediate families, must never: • Accept fees or honoraria in exchange
• Compete against the Company for services provided on behalf of the
Company.
• Use their position or influence to get an
improper benefit for themselves or others • Provide or accept gifts or entertainment
from anyone doing or seeking business with
• Use Company information, assets or
Chevron or any of its affiliates. Generally,
resources for their personal gain or the
modest forms of gifts and entertainment
improper benefit of others, or
received from vendors are acceptable and
• Take advantage of inside information or do not create conflicts of interest. However,
their position with the Company.
A
becomes public, you are engaging in insider trading.
resolved if an independent decision maker, such as information and before news of the contract is made
public, am I engaging in insider trading?
your manager, acts instead of you. The important
action for you to take is to disclose the potential
conflict to your supervisor or manager so that it may
be resolved.
A Yes. Assuming that the news of this contract
is material non-public information, or insider
Q
information, if you purchase securities of the other
company on the basis of this information before it
I recently learned that our Company will
becomes public you are engaging in insider trading.
announce disappointing financial results for this
quarter. Is this inside information?
Chevron’s policy is to maintain the We are committed to working in a way that places the highest priority not only on our own safety
and health, but also on the safety and health of our co-workers and members of the community. We
safety and health of people and the are also committed to protecting the environment by minimizing and mitigating environmental impact
quality of the environment where throughout the lifecycle of our operations. Protecting People and the Environment is a key value at
Chevron. Our policy is to maintain the safety and health of everyone and the quality of the environment
we operate. wherever we operate.
All of us are responsible for complying with laws, regulations and Company policy and for fully
Chevron’s Operational Excellence Management committing to the requirements of the OEMS in our work activities. Corporate Policy 530 commits
System (OEMS) defines the expectations with regard Chevron to comply with the letter and spirit of all environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
to the systematic management of safety, health,
environment, reliability and efficiency to achieve Each of us has the authority and responsibility to stop — or not start — any work activity if hazards or
world-class performance in operational excellence. risks pose a threat to safety.
A
accidents. Part of the site management team’s annual
success sharing is based on its safety performance
Never guess about environmental procedures.
and I know of injuries that are not being reported.
If you are uncertain of the procedure, check with
What should I do?
your supervisor to be sure you have understood
the request. If you still feel the request violates
environmental regulations, report the concern to
local management or the Chevron Hotline.
A It’s important to investigate injury-producing
accidents to determine steps necessary to prevent
Q
similar occurrences. You should always notify
your supervisor when an accident occurs at the
I have a work order that specifically outlines
workplace. If a co-worker is reluctant to report a
a task to be performed. As I began to do the task, I
work-related injury, encourage him or her to report
discovered that conditions are different from those
it. If the practice continues, report your concern to
expected when the job was planned. I have a feeling
local management or the Chevron Hotline.
that continuing the job as outlined in the work order
will be unsafe. What should I do?
Additional Resources:
Visit the Operational Excellence Website at
(https://cpln-www1.chevron.com/corphes/oehome.nsf?OpenDatabase&login) for more information
about safety, health, environment, reliability and efficiency.
Chevron’s information assets are vital resources. and handle particular information assets. Typical enforceable intellectual property rights of third
They include both the Company’s paper and examples might include taking your assigned parties, including patents, copyrights, trade secrets and
electronic records and also the systems that Company notebook and/or PDA (Blackberry) other proprietary information. We will not knowingly
store, process or transmit Company information. home or being granted access to specific infringe on or misuse the valid and enforceable
Chevron’s intellectual property, which includes computer systems. Employees unsure of their intellectual property rights of third parties.
the Company’s trade secrets, patents, trademarks, authority should discuss this subject with local
and copyrighted material, is also a key Chevron management for clarification. Improper handling If you have a question about the use of patented
information asset. of information may be grounds for disciplinary or proprietary information including computer
action, including termination. Examples of software of third parties, you should contact
improper handling include unauthorized viewing, the Chevron Law Department. In order to use
Proper Access and Use copyrighted material such as articles, charts,
copying, distributing, removing from the premises,
Chevron policy safeguards our information assets damaging, and altering of information. maps, films and music, we must receive the
against theft, unauthorized disclosure, misuse, permission of the copyright owner, unless such
trespass and careless handling. At times we may activities are allowed under the “fair use”
Handling Sensitive or
be authorized, by local management, to view provisions of the copyright laws. The Chevron
Proprietary Information Law Department Intellectual Property Practice
Group can help you determine whether a use of
We all must be cautious and discreet when using
materials meets the criteria for “fair use.”
information categorized as classified, confidential
or sensitive. Such information should be shared
only with other Chevron employees who have
a legitimate “need to know.” Outside parties
should only have access to such information if
they are under binding confidentiality agreements.
Similarly, when handling sensitive information
that has been entrusted to us by others, we must
always treat it with the utmost care. Doing so can
protect us from potential liability and is also in
keeping with our values of Partnership and Trust.
A
the cost. Can I borrow his video and make a copy? customers. What should I do?
Additional Resources:
Visit the Information Protection website at: http://glirm.chevron.com/programs/inforProtection.aspx.
Visit the Information Management website at http://glirm.chevron.com/programs/inforMgmt.aspx.
Consult the records retention criteria
(http://glirm.chevron.com/programs/recordsRetention/recordsRetention.aspx) and schedule
(http://glirm.chevron.com/programs/retentionSchedule/retentionSchedule.aspx).
Personal data about our employees, customers Proper Use of Personal Data Personal data should only be processed if there
and suppliers is an important information asset. is a legitimate business reason to do so, such as
Many of us handle personal data, or information Chevron has adopted a Company-wide data complying with a legal requirement or in order to
about specific individuals. This includes data privacy policy, which sets expectations for how fulfill a contractual commitment. You should not
about employees, contractors, directors, Chevron employees handle personal data. The use more or different personal data than needed
shareholders, customers, and anyone else with policy reflects the requirements of privacy laws for the task at hand. Finally, you should keep all
whom Chevron does business. The way we handle around the world. Nevertheless, it is important personal data secure and should follow Chevron’s
this data is critical to our success and promotes to remember that where privacy laws are stricter, Information Protection policies and guidelines.
trust. In many cases, there are laws that govern Chevron must comply with those laws.
how we collect, use, and dispose of personal data. When collecting and using personal data, you
For these reasons, we must follow Company should keep several important principles in mind.
policies and guidelines for handling personal data.
Q I just received some confidential information about a competitor. I didn’t ask for it, but this kind of
information could be very useful to me. What should I do?
A Before you read or photocopy this information, call the legal department to discuss how the information
was acquired. That will determine whether or not you may use it. If you are allowed to use it, follow the legal
department’s instruction for documenting the source of the information.
Q I have the opportunity to interview someone who currently works for the competition for a position
at our Company. Is it okay to take the opportunity to ask about how the competitor conducts certain aspects of
their business?
A No. Focus on interviewing the person for the position, not on gathering information.
In the course of doing business around the world, Providing Gifts to Public Officials Making Political Contributions
Chevron interacts regularly with government
officials. How we conduct ourselves with Under certain circumstances Chevron may provide Political contributions by the corporation
governments and in the political arena can affect gifts to U.S. public officials. Such gifts must always concerning elections of any kind, whether
our reputation, our operations around the world, be in strict compliance with the law, Company monetary or non-monetary (such as allowing
and our ability to work with government officials policy, and the values of The Chevron Way. an employee to work on a campaign while on
and other stakeholders. The Trust that we depend Company time) must be planned, budgeted,
We must seek guidance from Chevron’s Law legally reviewed and approved in advance by
upon from both local and global communities and Department before committing to provide any
governments is essential to our business, and we PGPA, internal and external legal counsel, and in
gifts to U.S. public officials. These include elected certain cases by the Office of the Chairman.
must continually earn it. and appointed officials at the local, state and
Our activities must meet the highest ethical federal levels, as well as government employees
such as public safety officers and public university
Engaging in Political Activities on Our Own
standards and comply with all host government
laws and rules. In all instances, it is imperative for professors. Laws regulating “gifts” typically Chevron encourages us to participate in the
employees to seek proper guidance and obtain the define that term as anything of value, including political and governmental process and, when
required approvals before engaging in government meals, gift certificates, travel expenses, event permitted by a country’s laws and customs, to
or political activities. tickets or honoraria, etc. Any payment made to communicate our personal views to appointed
a third party on behalf of a public official, such and elected officials. However, we cannot identify
as a payment to a hotel for a hotel room used by ourselves as representatives of Chevron or any of
Engaging in Lobbying Activities a public official, is considered a gift to the public its affiliate companies.
Lobbying is an activity aimed at influencing official. Certain gifts may be prohibited by law,
public policy decisions by providing information create reporting obligations, or create conflicts Under no circumstances will the Company
to elected or appointed officials and their of interest. U.S. laws regulating gifts to public reimburse any employee for making a personal
staff. Lobbying activities include both direct officials apply even when the officials are outside political contribution.
communication with public officials and the U.S. For example, U.S. federal law applies
Employees may not engage in personal political
providing support to any person who engages in to the gift of a meal given to a U.S. embassy
activities during paid working hours or when using
such communication. employee outside the U.S.
Company resources (such as email, phone and
Lobbying activities, in the U.S. and elsewhere, are Gifts to non-U.S. officials require advance meeting rooms) without receiving pre-approval
strictly regulated. Prior to engaging in lobbying approval from your Reporting Unit’s Compliance since such activities may be an illegal political
activities, any employee or director must obtain Coordinator or the Corporate Compliance office. contribution by Chevron. Employees must seek
guidance from their local Policy, Government and guidance from their local PGPA manager.
Public Affairs (PGPA) manager.
A
included the amount in my expense report. Will the
Company reimburse me for this expense?
For U.S. officials, you must seek guidance
Q
and have several specific legal and management
approvals prior to making the contribution. Outside Additional Resources:
A co-worker of mine uses Company e-mail to
the U.S., political contributions undergo a rigorous • Within the U.S., consult the Political Law
solicit votes and financial support for his sister, who is
review and approval process. Counsel (Corporation Law) or the Political
running for a local political office. Is this acceptable? Programs Coordinator (PGPA).
Wherever Chevron operates, we must respect and Complying with International Trade Laws For example, anti-boycott laws in the United
conform to each country’s unique set of customs States penalize U.S. companies if they participate
and business practices. We must also follow its Laws that apply to Chevron operations outside the or cooperate with international boycotts not
laws and regulations. United States include certain United States laws supported by the U.S. U.S. anti-boycott laws also
which govern international operations of a U.S. require these companies to report any request to
When business transactions involve more than Company and U.S. persons, but may also include participate or cooperate in such a boycott. Any
one country, we must find the best way to comply the local laws of countries where our operations employee receiving a request of this sort should
with the laws and follow the customs of one occur. Many countries have laws restricting, or inform Chevron legal counsel immediately.
country without violating the laws or customs otherwise require licensing for, the export and/
of another country. Whenever a possible conflict or import of certain goods and services to other
of laws situation arises, we should always seek countries and to certain parties. Countries may
guidance from our organization’s counsel. also impose various kinds of trade sanctions
against other countries or groups of persons.
Bribery Is Always Prohibited The scope of these trade sanctions and embargoes
Bribery of any government official in any country may vary widely from country to country. They
is strictly against Chevron policy, even if the may range from specific prohibitions on trade in
refusal to make such a payment would result in a specific commodity to a total prohibition of all
the Company losing a business opportunity. commercial transactions. Due to the complexities
of the legal requirements under many of these
Almost every country prohibits the bribery of its international trade laws, we must seek guidance
own officials. In addition, many countries have from Chevron’s legal counsel before exporting, or
laws that make it illegal to bribe officials of other importing goods or services, or transactions that
countries. In the U.S., that law is the Foreign might be affected by trade sanctions.
Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Employees with
duties involving trade or travel outside of the U.S. Understanding Anti-Boycott Laws
must be familiar with this act.
Some countries have adopted laws prohibiting
Management approval is required before any gift their people and businesses from participating
or payment can be made to a government or public in or cooperating with international trade
official. In some cases, the gift or payment must also embargoes or sanctions that have been imposed
be approved by your Reporting Unit’s Compliance by other countries.
Coordinator or Corporate Compliance.
A
established. May I engage this agent on behalf of our
Company?
A reasonable cost for a normal business lunch
meeting may not be prohibited under the FCPA, but
is subject to pre-approval by your local Compliance
Coordinator or depending on amount, pre-approval
A Speak with your local Chevron Law
Department and local compliance coordinator to
from your Reporting Unit or Corporate Compliance. ensure that the agent’s contacts and methods are
Q
aligned with both local and U.S. laws. Due diligence
is critical because our Company cannot avoid legal
A port official has told me it will take weeks to
liability by avoiding the facts or by acting through an
deliver materials to a work site unless a payment is
agent or other third-party.
made to help him “expedite” our shipment. Should I
comply with his request?
Wherever we operate, we will use this Statement as a framework to guide our decision-making and constructive
engagement on human rights issues.
Additional Resources:
http://humanrights.chevron.com/
Chevron’s legal and ethical obligations go far beyond what is included in this Code of Conduct.
We must comply with both the letter and the spirit of the many laws and regulations that affect
the way we do business.
If questions arise about any matter of compliance or ethics, whether covered by this Code or not,
we should consult our supervisor, manager, Corporate Compliance, Chevron’s legal counsel or
the Chevron Hotline. The Company’s Manual of Compliance, Procedures and Guidelines is also
a valuable resource for guidance on many compliance issues.
The responsibility for meeting our legal and ethical obligations cannot, however, be fully
defined or guaranteed by any set of written rules. There will almost certainly be times when the
best course of action can only be recognized by ensuring our actions are consistent with our
Company’s values and ethics. Driven by a passion for excellence in everything we do, we strive
to achieve High Performance and results the right way — according to the ethical principles in
our Code, and in a manner consistent with our values.
In the end, our confidence must rest, as it always has, on the honesty, integrity and good sense
within each of us.