Code of Ethics Final

8/6/2019 Code of Ethics Final

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Content

- Message from the President

- Values and Actions

- Visionary

- Bold

- Open

- Accountable

- Our Responsibilities

Copyright 2008 AbacusConsulting. All rights reserved.

Our Code of Business Ethics supports our core values and drives our actions.

Our core values define our culture, character, our behavior and the way we makedecisions.


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Code at a Glance

Live the Core Values

Message from the President

Dear Colleague,AbacusConsulting has an enduring reputation for integrity and ethical conduct. Our name and our

services are trusted around the world.

Business Ethics are critical, essential and non-negotiable, characteristic of an effective andprogressive organization, such as AbacusConsulting. Strong business ethics are a pillar of ourstrategic planning and strategic thinking process.

At AbacusConsulting we aim to lead by example, to learn from experience and be known forleadership in corporate ethics and responsibility, where employees are proud to work, and customersand partners want to do business. We set high standards for our people at all levels and strive toconsistently meet them.

The AbacusConsulting Code of Business Ethics shows how we can build the proper environment,capture how we put our core values into practice, assist us in decision making and guide us in

dealings with our clients and all stake holders, to achieve our mission to be the transformationpartner of choice.

We need to live our values through our actions, to protect our reputation, our brand and ourresources, developed over decades. We must comply with the laws of the land and policies ofAbacusConsulting and set high standards.

The values that we established nearly 22 years ago are as relevant today as they've ever been:

Visionary Bold Open Accountable

Our values are the foundation of everything we do. We foster an environment that enables people toact as visionary, bold, open and transparent. The Code of Business Ethics guides our businessconduct, requiring honesty, integrity and transparency in all matters.

We encourage people to do the right things and report things that do not seem right. We have zerotolerance to unethical behavior, take violations seriously, and discipline violators. Whereinterpretation requires hard judgments, we expect you to take assistance from the management.Acting ethically is everyones personal responsibility, and employees who come forward withconcerns, play an important role in maintaining an ethical environment and AbacusConsultingsreputation as one of the leading firms of management consultants in the region.

The code of business ethics applies to all, acting on behalf of AbacusConsulting, its Board of

Directors, permanent employees, contractual employees and third parties such as contractors.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of AbacusConsulting, I would like to thank you for living our corevalues and following the Code of Business Ethics.

President,

Asad Ali Khan1

stDecember 2008


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Values and Actions

Visionary

We focus on the future and think andact strategically

We set the trends and lead from thefront

We work to inspire others

Bold

We seize opportunities but withintegrity

We are fierce but fair competitors

We act with courtesy and respecttowards all and do not tolerateharassment or intimidation

Open

We collaborate through strategicalliances with the best of the breedglobal firms

We continuously transfer our globalknowledge and experiences to ourpeople and clients

We develop trusted long termrelationships with our clients.

Accountable

We deliver value to our clients We act intelligently, credibly and with

authority We protect proprietary and confidential

information and avoid conflict of interest We use technology responsibly and

professionally We prepare and provide accurate

information. We anticipate and mitigate risk We are responsible corporate citizen


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VisionaryWorking with insight, boldnessand imagination. Eyes on thehorizon, not just on the near athand, seeing the big pictureand thinking strategically.Presenting challenges thatcalls forth the best in peopleand brings them togetheraround a shared sense ofpurpose

Living our Values Visionary in Action

We focus on the future and think andact strategically

We set the trends and lead from thefront



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We focus on the future andthink and act strategically

We have a futuristic approach and see thebigger picture, we know what it means and are

able to act on it.

We help our clients achieve sustainablecompetitive advantage by thinking and actingstrategically.

We create unique value for our clients byrefusing to base our strategic thinking onfollowing and imitating, instead we combineactivities from among their core competenciesthat fit together in unique ways to reinforceeach other and build value.

We set the trends and leadfrom the front

We strive to find new methods andtechnologies of doing thing, in a more effectiveand efficient way.

In our history of more than 22 years, we haveshown countess examples of being the leaderin introducing new methods and ways of doingthings in a better way; we were the first firm in

Pakistan to pioneer the practice of HumanResource Consulting and ISO 9000Certification in Pakistan.

How do I think and actstrategically?

Look at things from more than one pointof view

Look at the bigger picture

Look for generative mechanisms

Question how are things related

Consider each part as containing theelement of another element whichcontains that element

We were also the first firm of ManagementAccountants in Pakistan to introduce theInformation Technology Solutions businessarea, after which other firms follow suit.


We inspire others to achieve greater things.We achieve superior results by leading byexample, by striving to building our knowledgeand skills, going through a continuous processof self evaluation, being patient listeners,appreciating others for their work and findingpositive things in the toughest of circumstance.This benefits AbacusConsulting by improvingthe quality of our decisions and increasing ourpower to deliver quality.

How do I Inspire?

Have a point of view

Evaluate yourself above the fray

Know your stuff

Learn to listen

Don't be selfish

Exude positivity

Share your influences

Appreciate uniqueness


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BoldWe have the courage and spiritto move fast from wherever weare and to further our abilitiesto lead into gettingextraordinary things done

Living our Values Bold in Action

We seize opportunities but withIntegrity

We are fierce but fair competitors

We act with courtesy and respecttowards all and do not tolerateharassment or intimidation


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We seize opportunities butwith integrity

We move fast, and seize opportunities;however we act with integrity. To succeed we

do not offer or accept inducements.

An inducement is against the law andAbacusConsultings policy. We recognize andexercise great caution where we see feel anarrangement or a payment may be improper.

In any case AbacusConsulting will not offer oraccept inducements or make improperpayments to obtain new business, to retainexisting business.

If you feel that an inducement is being offered

or accepted, contact Manager HumanResource or your Business Vertical Leader forhelp.

We are fierce but faircompetitors

AbacusConsulting competes aggressively inthe market, however fairly and lawfully. We donot misrepresent on conceal any fact to gainan unfair advantage over our competition. Wemarket our services on their merits and do not

ridicule or provide false information about ourcompetitors.

We collect public information on ourcompetitors; however, we do so in aprofessional and ethical manner and avoid anyperception of improper behavior, e.g. we donot get competitor's confidential informationthrough our social, personal or professionalcontacts.

Can I comment on a competitors

failed ERP Implementation, with aclient?

Refrain from commenting on a competitorsfailed projects.

Can I pretend to be a customer toget competitors information?

Gathering information about our competitors isa legal activity, when done lawfully andethically. Misrepresenting your identity to getclient information is against the policy ofAbacusConsulting.

We are committed to marketing our servicesand solutions solely on their merits, and westrive to avoid even the appearance ofimpropriety.

We act with courtesy andrespect towards all and do nottolerate harassment orintimidation

Employees of AbacusConsulting treat eachother with trust, dignity and respect that weexpect ourselves. We believe in diversity andthe importance of different skills andexperiences in our success.

AbacusConsulting does not overlook or permitany harassment or abusive behavior,comments, physical contact or otherinappropriate conduct. Harassment in anyform based on sex, race, age, color, nationalorigin, disability, religion or sexual orientationis not only offensive, but may exposeAbacusConsulting and its employees to legalliability.

Every employee has a right to work in aharassment free environment and to reportany unsuitable behavior without any fear.

What are examples of acceptable

competitive information?

Industry analyst reports.

Non-confidential customer or supplierintelligence.

Public information - what companiesdisclose in their SECP filings and StockExchanging filling.

Networking on technical and knowledgebased conferences, events andseminars.


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Question to ask yourself on gifts orentertainment

Would it influence your /othersimpartiality?

Would you consider the gifts beexpensive or extraordinary?

Would you be embarrassed if theinducement or entertainment is madepublic?


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Open

Showing receptiveness to newand different ideas or theopinions of others

Living our Values Bold in Action

We collaborate through strategicalliance with the best of the breedglobal firms

We continuously transfer our globalknowledge and experiences to ourpeople and clients

We develop trusted long termrelationships with our clients


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We collaborate throughstrategic alliances with thebest of the breed global firms

AbacusConsulting has developed strategic

partnerships and alliances with a number of global

firms, including SAP and Mercer Consulting, to

share our knowledge and experience and vice

versa, to deliver value to our clients, which leads to

sustainable competitive advantage.

We continuously transfer ourglobal knowledge andexperiences to our people andclients

Our strength is based on our employeesknowledge and experience. We take pride inour ability to capture, store and use knowledgeand make it available to the right people at theright time.

We have the art of driving knowledge out ofinformation and information out of data, andsharing it with others, who may begeographically apart. We share our experienceand knowledge through our extensive toolsand systems, such as Lotus Notes and Webportals.

We also have extensive training programs forour employees to increase their knowledgeand improve their skill set. We also train ourclients employees enabling them to be moreproductive in their work

How do I build relationships whichlast?

Listen to people and understanddifferent viewpointsShare your experience and knowledge

Speak to peoples needs first

Be honest

Encourage peopleFollow through, deliver what youpromise

Help people win

We develop trusted long termrelationships with our clients

We believe in developing long termrelationships with clients, by being open and

transparent.

Our relationships with clients are based ontrust, value, objective criteria and the realneeds of the client, not on self-interest. We willonly take up a project, if we feel our client hasthe need for it and we can be helpful to them.We work with our clients as business partnersto identify and solve problems.


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AccountableLiable to account for one'sactions. Worthy of or requiring

responsibility or trustLiving our Values Accountable in Action

We deliver value to our clients

We act intelligently, credibly and withauthority

We protect proprietary and confidentialinformation and avoid conflict of interest

We use technology responsibly andprofessionally

We prepare and provide accurate

information

We anticipate and mitigate risk

We are responsible corporate citizen


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We deliver value to our clients

We deliver value to our clients and areaccountable to them. We only promise whatwe can deliver and we deliver what wepromise.

We make all possible efforts to understandwhat clients expect from us and deliveryquality in line with their expectations.

Our good understanding of our clients valuesand needs, along with our knowledge andexperience, leads us to develop solutions thatprovide high profit-potential for theirbusinesses.

We continuously analyze our solutions fromthe perspective of our clients to analyze theirvalue for our clients.

We act intelligently, crediblyand with authority

We act intelligently and with credibility. Wemake decisions like responsible owners of thecompany, by being watchful and responsiblewith resources. We use AbacusConsultingsresources with great care and responsibility.

We understand that the authority given to us toact on AbacusConsulting behalf is delegatedto us by the board of directors, and we need touse it intelligently and with credibility.

We understand that no one inAbacusConsulting has authority to representAbacusConsulting, without having that powerdelegated specifically from the board ofDirectors.

We protect proprietary and

confidential information andavoid conflict of interest

AbacusConsulting: Proprietary information isany information AbacusConsulting owns. Itmainly results from our teams hard work andinnovation along with investment in research &development. It includes any data indatabases and records, including e-mails,personnel information, and technicalinformation.

Much of our proprietary information isconfidential and is subject to copyright, patent

or other intellectual property or legal rights.Because this information gives us acompetitive edge in the marketplace, it cancause damage if our competitors obtain suchinformation.

Client: Employees of AbacusConsulting needto get permission from their Business VerticalLeaders before requesting or acceptingconfidential information of clients, as we mustabide by the contractual commitments wehave agreed to with our clients.

Others: We cannot discuss, disclose, copy oruse any copyrighted, licensed or confidentialinformation; unless we have properauthorization. Data privacy laws cover eachfunction of AbacusConsulting.

Each employee is responsible for takingappropriate precautions to make sureunauthorized people do not get access to suchinformation.

We act in the best interest ofAbacusConsulting and avoid situations thatcause conflict of interest. We never use ourposition in the company, company resourcesand our business contacts for our benefits.

We use technologyresponsibly and professionally

Employees of AbacusConsulting use businesstechnology tools, such as the Internet andLotus Notes as well as software, computersand telephones, professionally and withcredibility.

Extensive personal use and unacceptablebehavior is not allowed.

Accessing social networks from work is not

allowed and downloading and installing illegalsoftware is strictly prohibited.

We prepare and provideaccurate information

Employees of AbacusConsulting are requiredto follow generally accepted accountingprinciples and AbacusConsulting systems ofinternal controls.

We must record all transactions accurately inthe proper accounting period and formats.


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Inaccurate reporting is against our policy.Preparing information in a way intended togive a wrong impression or mislead, is againstthe policy of AbacusConsulting

AbacusConsulting employees are responsible

for submitting timely and accurate, time (TMS)and expense reports using the tools provided.

Employees must report the actual number ofhours they work, by filling in the TimeManagement System and logging in and out ofthe attendance systems

Employees must also submit expense reports,including per diems, example, meals, milesdriven and taxi taken.

We anticipate and mitigate risk

We resolve potential problems before theyoccur, through a proactive risk managementprocess.

Everything in life has some degree of risk. Weperform risk assessment with our teams andthe client to identify high, medium and lowlevel risks. This assessment alerts the clientsand our project teams to any medium andhigh-level risks that may cause futureproblems.

What is a unauthorized disclosureof proprietary or confidentialinformation?

Disclosing hiring of a new employees,before he /she joins.

Disclosing name of a client, we arenegotiating a contract with.

What kind of data does privacy lawcovers?

Data privacy law applies to all data ofindividuals, e.g. their personal data, ethnicity,e-mail address, business and home contactdetails, their voice and pictures.

The purpose of risk management is to identifythe risk events for a project and then establisha Risk Management Plan to minimize theprobability that the risk event will harm theproject.

The objective of risk management is toeliminate the risk event before it occurs or tominimize the impact of the risk if it does occur.

We are responsible CorporateCitizens

We take our responsibilities towards thesociety we live and work in, very serious. Wedo our best for the community by providingassistance where necessary and complying

with the laws. We also hire physicallychallenged individuals where possible tosupport our community.

Information on internet does not fallunder privacy law?

Not Correct, publicly available personal data iscovered by data privacy law.

My new client asked me forinformation about their competitorwho is an old client?

Refuse to give information politely. It isunprofessional, would violate your agreementwith the client and would tell your new clientthat you could share their information with acompetitor in future.


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I developed a report forAbacusConsulting, is it myproperty?

No, any work done by AbacusConsulting

employees, using company resources is theproperty of AbacusConsulting. Usingknowledge gained from your work withAbacusConsulting for benefit of yourself orothers is a conflict of interest.

A colleague wants password for aresource portal, such as Imagesand Photo Portal, only I haveaccess to, can I give my password?

No, your colleague must get approval from his/her Business Vertical Leader.

I am under a tight deadline tocomplete a project. I am confident Ihave followed the MicrosoftDocument compliance checklist,can I submit the deliverable, andcomplete the compliance check listlater?

No. This would violate the code, and damageAbacusConsultings reputation. The checklistneeds to be completed before submitting thedeliverable.

I have worked over time on aproject, should I just mention 33units a day on TMS or the actualhours / units?

Always report the actual hours you work.

Under-reporting hours/ units violateAbacusConsulting policy. Accurate reportingassists us in improving our efficiency andforecasting for future projects.

I have an online social networkgroup, where I talk about differentissues. Can I discuss myprofessional life?

Employees must not disclose confidential

information about the company or its clients toanyone. Information, which should not be

disclosed, includes financial results, majorprojects, names of our clients and nature ofprojects, new leads and changes to keyexecutive positions.

What does harassment include?

Unwanted physical contact

Display of offensive materials.

Avoiding or excluding someone due torace, age, sex, religion, e.t.c.

Verbal insults or degrading remarks;

Bullying, humiliation or intimidation.

Actual violence

Abuse

Unwelcome jokesActual violence

I overheard a co-worker threatenanother employee. What should Ido, if the employee doesnt reportit?

Tell your Business Vertical Leader or ManagerHuman Resource about the incidentimmediately.

It is your responsibility to act, when you knowof such an incident. AbacusConsulting will nottolerate such acts of threats of violence.

How do I perceive, manage andmitigate risks?

Look for hazards

Decide who might be harmed and how

Decide on control measures

Develop a plan for improving controls

Review the controls


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When I report will it cause problemsfor me?

You name will not be made public and you willnot get into trouble, if you report a violation ofthe code.

However a disciplinary action may be takenagainst you, if you do not inform a violation

that you have witnessed.

If my manager asks me to dosomething that violates our code,what should I do?

Discuss it with him / her. Maybe he/shedoesnt realize the implications of the request.However if he / she insists, speak to theManager Human Resource.

What if there is no information inthe code about a decision I havemade, which does not feel right.

Feelings are good indicators of right andwrong. If the decision does not feel right,contact Manager Human Resource or yourBusiness Vertical Leader.

AbacusConsultingAli Mustafa AzizSenior Manager,Corporate Communications.Telephone: +92 42 588 4981-5Facsimile: +92 42 588 4987Email: [email protected] us on the Web:www.abacus-global.com

Our Responsibility

All employees of AbacusConsulting understand the importance of following the code, and thatbreaking the code with AbacusConsulting or our clients; will lead to disciplinary action, includingtermination from services.

All employees of AbacusConsulting are expected to understand and follow the code. All employeesmust inform or take action of any potential unethical or unlawful activity. AbacusConsulting will nottolerate retaliation against any employee who reports unethical or unlawful activity.

Who to take help from

To report a concern, you should inform the Human Resource Manager or your Business VerticalLeader.

You are not required to identify yourself, while reporting a concern, however in case you do, your

identity will be treated confidentially.
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