Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Intensity to Win
Unyielding Integrity
Delivering on commitments
Honesty and fairness in action
Chairmans Message
Dear Wiproites,
Recent years have seen enormous changes in our world. One of the most
significant developments is the degree to which our lives are now interwoven with the lives and work of othersincluding those in our communities
and others who are half way around the world.
Our interdependence on one another has led to a heightened awareness of
the need for accountability and responsibility. This responsibility also puts
greater onus on each one of us to consider the social impact of our actions.
While this concern for accountability and responsibility may be new to
others, we at Wipro responded to this need many years back and have
championed initiatives that were socially relevant and ahead of their times.
Over the years, the Spirit of Wipro has served as the touchstone of or
commitment to high standards of governance and business conduct
Looking to the future, the rising scale and complexity of our engagements
present us with new challenges. If we are to maintain our leadership and
continue to succeed in the years to come, we must do even more. We must
be sure that we have clear policies, strong controls, and rigorous adherence
to our standards. As part of our effort to meet these challenges, we have
created an updated Code of Business Conduct (COBC) together with other
ethics and compliance initiatives.
The updated COBC provides important information about our personal
business responsibilities, including our obligations to comply with the law
and Wipros ethical standards. It also serves as a helpful reference tool
guiding us to other resources that we can use when faced with ethical
dilemmas or questions.
I believe the quality of our people guided by the Spirit of Wipro has always
been critical to our success. Together we have created a culture that is
defined by teamwork, respect, honesty, fairness and unyielding integrity. These
same values will drive our future success. Working together, with the help of
our COBC, I am confident that we will continue to be a corporate model of
transparency, ethical business practices and the tenets of good governance.
Azim Premji
Table of Contents
About Our Code and Your Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
To Whom the Code Applies
How to Use the Code of Business Conduct
Employee Responsibilities
Cooperating with surveys, investigations and inquiries
Ethical Leadership
Making the Right Choice
Asking Questions and Raising Concerns
Preventing Retaliation
Accountability and Discipline
Acting in the Best Interest of Our Customers, Business Partners and
the Public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Customer Relations
Marketing and Advertising
Conflicts of Interest
Employee Responsibilities
Wipro is made up of
thousands of individuals, each
with unique perspectives and
aspirations. Though we are
all different, we all share an
understanding of the importance of Unyielding Integrity.
Without a reputation for
integrity we would fail with
customers, with investors, and
in our own eyes. We must
strive to maintain the highest
ethical standards. In particular:
Remember: no reason,
including the desire to meet
business goals, should ever
be an excuse for violating
laws, regulations, the COBC
or policies.
information contained in
Q: I understand that
Q: Why are
we expected to
cooperate with
investigations
and inquiries?
I would
rather not get
involved.
Ethical Leadership
If you are in a leadership
position at Wipro, you are
also expected to meet
the following additional
responsibilities:
Lead by example.
conduct programmes
and monitor compliance
of Wipros values and
ethical business conduct
guidelines through such
programmes.
Support implementation
of ethics and business
Communicate to employ-
opportunities to discuss
and address ethics and ethically-challenging situations
with team members.
Create an environment
pressure anyone to do
something that is in
violation of the COBC.
Q: My business unit
Q: Im a manager
Q: Im a manager. If
I observe misconduct
in an area not under
my supervision, am
I still required to
report the issue?
obligations.
Making
the Right Choice
Making the right decision is not always easy. There will be times when you will be under pressure
or unsure of what to do. Always remember when you have a tough choice to make, you are
not alone.Your fellow Wiproites are available to help and you have other resources to turn to
including the COBC.
When faced with a tough ethical decision it may help to pause and ask these questions. If you give
a negative answer to even one question, consider a different action or seek help.
Is it the right thing to do? Is it legal? Is it consistent with our policies?
Have I considered all the options?
Will my actions be consistent with the Spirit
of Wipro?
Will I be comfortable telling others about my decision?
Can I honestly say Id be proud of the choice I made?
What is the possible impact of my actions on others, including
fellow employees and stakeholders?
Q: Our manager
Preventing Retaliation
Managers must listen openly
to concerns about misconduct, respond appropriately,
and never retaliate against
those who raise issues in
good faith. Lack of content/
expert knowledge could
cause anxiety on the part an
employee to believe it to be
wrongstill it is fine.
It is a violation of our policy
10
Customer Relations
Our standard
Customers purchase our services and products because
they trust them. They trust
the quality of our services
and products, they trust their
value, and they trust that
we will stand behind what
11
Our responsibilities
advertising, marketing, sales
materials or presentations.
impressions in any
Our responsibilities
Wipro Code of Business Conduct
Supplier Selection
Our standard
Wipros suppliers make
significant contributions to
our success. To create an
environment where our
suppliers have an incentive to
work with Wipro, they must
be confident that they will
be treated lawfully and in an
ethical manner.
Our policy is to select
suppliers and make purchases
Government Contracting
Government Contracting Wipros
policy is to comply fully with all laws and
regulations that apply to government
contracting and transactions. It is also
necessary to strictly adhere to all terms
and conditions of any contract with
Our responsibilities
13
Conflicts of Interest
Our standard
A conflict of interest occurs
whenever you have a
competing interest that may
interfere with your ability to
make an objective decision for
Wipro. Personal involvement
including financial interests
or dealings with a competitor,
Each of us is expected to
use good judgment and avoid
situations that can lead to
even the appearance of a
conflict. Conflicts of interest
can undermine the trust
others place in us and damage
our reputation.
14
It is impossible to describe
every potential conflict,
which is why Wipro relies
on each of us to uphold the
high standard of Unyielding
Integrity and to seek advice
relationship. If a close
personal relationship exists
or develops between two
employees, both employees
involved must bring this
to the attention of their
manager and HR manager.
Attempts will be made to
find a suitable resolution.
Outside Employment
While it is not the intent of
Wipro to unduly restrict the
activities of employees on
their own time, employees
may not work for or receive
payments for services from
any business that does or
seeks to do business with, or
is in competition with Wipro.
A conflict of interest may also
arise if an employees outside
work, including self-employ-
It is a conflict of interest to
serve as a director of any
company that competes with
Wipro. It may be a conflict of
interest if an employee serves
as a director of a Wipro
supplier, customer, developer,
or other business partner. But
in all these cases of potential
conflicts, the employee must
first obtain approval from
Head of HR, Wipro Limited.
15
Our responsibilities
a potential conflict of
interest.Your manager
may require you to
disclose the situation
to your HR manager
or Legal & Compliance
Department for
appropriate resolution.
Avoid conflict of
interest situations
whenever possible.
Proactively address
It cannot be reasonably
construed as payment or
consideration for influencing or rewarding a decision
or action
It is consistent with
It is justifiable when
offered or accepted
accommodation, sporting/recreation/
cultural events, etc. by a third party not
connected with a business event.
Sponsorship/reimbursement of expenses
Our responsibilities
gift, entertainment or
business courtesy that
are reasonable compliments to business
relationships.
tainment or business
courtesy that foster
goodwill in business
relationships, but
never provide any that
obligates or appears to
obligate the recipient.
Do not request or
entertainment, or
business courtesy.
Report correctly in
Do not to commit to
At the request of a customer, you cannot make any donations from your own funds and claim
reimbursement from Wipro. Prior written approval must be taken.
17
Q: When I was traveling, A: If you have received any gift which exceeds the Accept-
able Limit, you are required to disclose the receipt of the gift
in the Gifts Disclosure Tracker and hand over the gift to the
Facilities Management Group of your location. A determination
will then be made as to how the gift should be used.
Social Networking
Be especially careful when
writing communications
that might be published.
This includes postings to
the internet. If you participate in online forums,
blogs, newsgroups, chat
Our responsibilities
authorised to speak from
Business Units of Wipro
should communicate any
non-public information
regarding Wipro with
media, analyst, investors or
anyone outside Wipro.
regarding Wipros
activities, results, plans
or its position on public
issues and you are not
specifically authorised to
respond, refer the request
to Corporate Communications or Investor Relations.
unauthorised employee
contact with media or
analysts, on-record or
off-record basis, immediately inform the Communications or the Investor
Relations Departments.
Our responsibilities
Always be mindful of
confidential non-public
or proprietary information online.
contain racially or
sexually offensive
material, political or
religious solicitations
or anything else which
is inappropriate or
has the potential to
cause harm to Wipro
or its customers and
business partners.
or send unsolicited
messages.
stalk, threaten or
otherwise violate the
legal and privacy rights
of companies or people.
information or statements
are considered material
non-public information,
unpublished price-sensitive information or
forward looking statements. Sharing or posting
such information may be
a violation of applicable
insider trading laws. Examples of such information
include data on Wipros
business performance, new
markets, new customers,
management changes, etc.
19
Protecting Our
Information and Assets
ONE OF THE MAJOR CONCERNS in the present information technology era is protection of
confidential and personal information that is collected and disseminated. For Wiproites, protection of confidential information rests on our pledge to act with sensitivity and to demonstrate
respect for the Individual.
It is simple: when we take action to safeguard confidential information and Company assets that
have been entrusted to us, we are delivering on our commitments and living up to the assurances
we have made to others.
Confidential Information
Our standard
One of our most valuable
assets is information. Information that is not generally
disclosed and could be helpful
to Wipro or would be to
competitors must be protected.
The unauthorised release
of confidential information
can cause Wipro to lose a
critical competitive advantage, embarrass the Company,
and damage our relationships
20
Our responsibilities
confidential information
only for legitimate
business purposes.
dential information to
indicate how it should
be handled, distributed
and destroyed.
Protect intellectual
confidential information
to unattended fax
machines or printers.
21
Intellectual Property
Our standard
We have an obligation to
identify and protect the
intellectual property, trade
secrets and other confidential
information owned by Wipro,
our customers, and business
partners. Doing so is critical
to our success.
Intellectual Property or IP
refers to patented or poten-
to IP and confidentiality
agreements signed upon the
commencement of or during
our employment.
Unauthorised receipt or
In addition to protecting
Wipros own intellectual
property rights, Wipro
respects the valid intellectual
property rights of others.
Our responsibilities
Compliance Department
whenever an IP issue is
involved or whenever you
are not clear on the course
of action to be taken.
Compliance Department
is required to download
free-ware or free-trial
third-party software or
shareware programs
from the internet.
22
Competitive/Business Intelligence
Our standard
Information about competitors is a valuable asset in the
highly competitive markets
in which Wipro operates.
When collecting competitive
intelligence, Wipro employees
and others who are working
on our behalf, must always
live up to Wipros standard of
Unyielding Integrity.
Our responsibilities
offered by a third
party (e.g. competitor
information during request
for information or RFI
stage) that is represented
as confidential, or which
appears from the context
or circumstances to be
confidential, unless an
appropriate nondisclosure/
confidentiality agreement
has been signed with
the party offering the
information. The Legal &
Compliance Department
can provide nondisclosure
agreements to fit any
particular situation.
23
confidential information of
other companies.
Q: I am a manager of a sales
We have a responsibility to
protect the confidential and
Our responsibilities
Wipro is committed to
making full, fair, accurate,
timely and understandable disclosure on all material aspects
of our business including
periodic financial reports that
are filed with or submitted to
regulatory authorities.
on an expense report or
time sheet.
Always be accurate,
closed or unrecorded
funds, assets or liabilities.
Our responsibilities
Be as clear, concise,
false or misleading
entries, unrecorded funds
or assets, or payments
without appropriate
supporting documentation.
including contracts
without authority. Sign only
that you are authorised to
sign and that you believe
are accurate and truthful.
25
26
Our responsibilities
equipment or systems,
including email and the
internet, to download,
create, store or send
content that others might
find offensive.
misuse or theft of
Wipros assets must
be reported to your
manager or HR manager.
27
28
Insider Trading
Our standard
Confidential information may
not be used for personal
benefit at the stock market.
Each of us is prohibited from
kind of information is
covered by the term
Material Information.
What does it include?
29
Our responsibilities
securities of Wipro on
the basis of material
non-public information.
Employees having
knowledge of or access
to material non-public
information will be
insiders who have an
obligation not to misuse
such information.
No employee falling
or Wipros business
partners. Even casual
conversations could be
viewed as illegal tipping
of inside information.
30
Our responsibilities
Never participate in
conversations with
competitors that could be
perceived as limiting competition (i.e. no sharing of
proposals especially when
responding to request for
proposals or RFPs). As
a general rule, contacts
with competitors should
be limited and must
always avoid certain
subjects including any
31
Q: I received sensitive A: Do not use the information for any purpose. Contact the
pricing information
from one of our competitors. What should
I do?
Anti-Corruption
Our standard
Wipro conducts its business
free from the influence of
corruption and bribery. Employees and business partners are
expected to be aware of and
follow all anti-corruption and
anti-bribery laws everywhere
we do business (including
the US Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act or FCPA and
UK Bribery Act). Employees
must be careful to avoid even
the appearance of offering or
32
Our responsibilities
Always be sure to
perform due diligence and
know your, business partner, consultants, agents,
and all those through
whom we conduct our
business. Know who they
are, what they do, where
they are based, and how
they will use our services
and products.
intended to improperly
influence a government
official must never be
made. Government official
include employees of
government companies,
contributions to any
political party. Also, no
employee may make a
political contribution,
whether cash or otherwise
on behalf of Wipro.
33
Political Involvement/Lobbying
Our standard
Wipro respects the rights
of employees to voluntarily
participate in the political
process. However, due to
complex requirements, there
are specific guidelines that
must be followed before
contributions may be made
and before campaigning for or
holding public office.
Employees must always make
it clear that their views and
actions are their own and
not those of the Company
and employees must never
use Wipro resources to
support their personal
choice of political parties,
causes or candidates.
Employees, agents or
contractors whose
Examples of
lobbying activities
Our responsibilities
Lobbying activities or
government contacts on
behalf of the Company
should be coordinated
with the office of CFO,
Wipro Limited.
34
employee, customer
or business partner to
contribute to, support, or
Q: What types of
expenditures are
covered by the Policy
on Lobbying?
POLICY ON ANTI-CORRUPTION
Global Trade
Our standard
Many laws govern the conduct
of trade across borders,
including laws that are
designed to ensure that transactions are not being used
for money laundering, others
that prohibit companies from
illegal trade boycotts, as well
as laws regulating exports.
35
Our responsibilities
comply with laws governing imports and exports.
Maintain appropriate
Compliance Department
before initiating business in
a country new to Wipro.
36
Performance through
Teamwork and Respect
AS A GLOBAL COMPANY we employ individuals and we work with business partners who
represent a rich variety of backgrounds, skills and cultures. Combining this wealth of resources
creates the diverse and collaborative teams that consistently drive our achievements.
To attract and retain talented and dynamic individuals from around the world, it is vital to have a
supportive work environment, based on mutual respect. Wipro always encourages and promotes
favourable employment conditions and positive relationships between employees and managers
and we encourage open communications and employee development.
Living our values helps our Company succeed, and it also creates the setting for each of us to
thrive and to reach our full potential. Following are some of the key areas where we must be
guided by in our commitment to The Spirit of Wipro.
Human Rights
Our standard
We support fundamental
human rights for all people.
We will live up to and
champion a commitment
to human rights among
our employees, business
partners and suppliers, and
comply with the applicable
laws in every country in
which we operate.
Child Labour
Wipro will not use, nor do we
support others who use child
labour. Wipro also recognises
that this evil cannot be
eradicated by simply setting
up rules or inspections.
Freedom of
Association
Wipro respects the right of
employees to exercise their
lawful right of free association
and we recognise the rights of
our employees to choose or
not choose to be represented
by trade unions. It is Wipros
expectation that our suppliers
would also do the same.
37
Abolition of
Forced Labour
Wipro prohibits forced or
compulsory labour including
prison or bonded labour. We
will not tolerate physical pun-
Our responsibilities
38
We are committed to
attracting, retaining, and
developing the highest quality
and most dedicated work
force possible in todays
market. We understand that
when diversity is embraced,
we benefit from the creativity, varied perspectives, and
increased innovation.
Wipro hires and promotes
people on the basis of their
qualifications, performance,
and abilities, and is determined to provide a work
environment free of any form
of discrimination.
Our responsibilities
measures introduced
to develop equal
opportunities.
Make employment-related
Make merit-based
39
Harassment-free Workplace
Our standard
Wipro is committed to
maintaining a workplace
where each employees
personal dignity is respected
and protected from offensive
or threatening or violent
behaviour including violence.
At Wipro, we believe that
everyone has the right to
work in an environment that
is free from intimidation,
harassment and abuse. We
understand that harassment
and abuse undermines the
integrity of employment
relationships and can
cause serious harm to the
productivity, efficiency and a
harmonious workplace.
For these reasons, Wipro
does not tolerate verbal
or physical conduct by any
employee that harasses
another, disrupts anothers
40
Intentionally damaging
Threatening, intimidating
work performance, or creates
an intimidating, offensive,
abusive, or hostile work
environment. This includes
such behaviour directed
towards third parties during
the course of conducting
Wipro business.
At Wipro we do not tolerate:
Threatening remarks,
to another.
or coercing other
employees on or off the
premisesat any time, for
any purpose.
It is unwanted
It has the purpose or effect of
Our responsibilities
a co-workers
conduct makes others
uncomfortable.
harassment including
requests for sexual favours,
or other unwelcome
Promote a positive
41
42
We are committed to
providing a safe and healthy
workplace for colleagues and
visitors to our facilities.
Our responsibilities
Each of us is responsible
working environment by
keeping work stations, aisles
and other work spaces free
from obstacles, wires and
other potential hazards
Emergency Response
Team (ERT) member in
your office immediately
about any unsafe equipment, or any situation
that could pose a threat
to health or safety or
damage the environment.
All employees have the
right and responsibility to
stop any work they feel
may be unsafe.
43
Ecological Sustainability:
Q: Are subcontractors
practices that we do in
my area that dont seem
safe. Who can I speak to?
THE CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT (COBC) IS INTENDED SOLELY AS AN ETHICS GUIDE. THE LANGUAGE
USED SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS CREATING A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT BETWEEN WIPRO AND
ANY PERSON. WIPRO EXPRESSLY RETAINS THE RIGHT TO UNILATERALLY MODIFY OR AMEND THIS CODE, AT
WIPROS SOLE DISCRETION, WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES.
44
45
46
INDEX
Abolition of forced labour, 38
Abuse, 38, 40, 41
Accounting, 9, 25
Advertising, 11, 12
Agents, 4, 6, 31, 32, 33, 34
Alcohol, 42
Anonymous reporting, 8
Anti-competitive practices, 30
Anti-corruption laws, 32
Anti-trust, 30, 31
Audit Committee, 8, 10
Audits, 5, 6, 13, 26, 38
Blogs, 18
Board of Directors, 4, 10
Boycotts, 31, 35, 36
Bribery, 32
Business courtesies, 16, 17
Business intelligence, 23
Business partners, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14,
19, 22, 31, 32, 37
Business records, 25
CFO, 15, 34
Charities, 16, 17
Child labour, 37
Communicating with the public, 18
Company assets, 20, 27
Company information, 28
Company property, 27, 28
Competition laws, 30
Competitive intelligence, 23
Competitors, 4, 11, 12, 14, 20, 23,
24, 30, 31, 32
Confidential information, 14, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 31
Confidentiality in reporting
concerns, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24
Conflicts of interest, 14, 15, 16, 34
Contractors, 24, 33
Copyrights, 22
Corporate citizenship, 44
Corporate Communications, 18
Corporate opportunities, 15
Customer information, 12
Customer relations, 11
Customs records, 36
Discipline, 9, 10
Discrimination, 38, 40
Diversity, 36, 38, 40
Document management, 26
Drugs, 43
Passwords, 27
Personal investments, 15
Political contributions, 34, 35
Political involvement, 34, 35
Political office, 34, 35
Political pressure, 34
Preventing retaliation, 9
Privacy, 12, 24
Property, 27, 28, 40
Protecting assets, 20, 22, 27, 28
Quality, 11, 12, 13, 25, 31, 38
Records management, 5, 6, 23, 25,
26, 33, 36
Regulations, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, 29, 34,
35, 37, 44
Reporting concerns and violations, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 24, 27, 30,
31, 37, 41, 42, 43
Reporting gifts, 17
Responsibilities of employees, 5
Responsibilities of leadership, 6,
7, 24, 44
Retaliation, 9
Safeguarding company assets, 27
Safety, 12, 13, 25, 43, 44
Securities, 29, 30
Security incident reporting, 12
Sexual harassment, 40, 41, 42
Social media, 19
Social networking, 18, 19
Software, 21, 22, 36
Spying, 23
Stalking, 40
Supplier selection, 13
Suppliers, 4, 13, 14, 15, 18, 24, 26,
30, 31, 37
Sustainability, 13, 44
Technology transfers, 35
Third parties, 7, 12, 20, 23, 24, 32,
35, 40
Time and expense reporting, 17,
25, 26
Tipping, 29, 30
Trade restrictions and controls, 35
Training, 5
Travel, 17, 18, 33, 35
Volunteer work, 16
Weapons, 40
Workplace environment, 6, 7, 8,
13, 27, 36, 38, 40, 41, 43
47
www.wipro.com/Documents/investors/pdf-files/Supplier_code_of_conduct.pdf
Anti-Corruption:
Transparency International
www.transparency.org/
www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/legislation/bribery-act-2010-guidance.pdf
Australia
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2013C00366/Download
Brazil
http://www.cgu.gov.br/english/AreaPrevencaoCorrupcao/ConvencoesInternacionais/
Canada
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-45.2/page-1.html
China
http://www.nbcp.gov.cn/article/English/
Malaysia
www.agc.gov.my/Akta/Vol.%2012/Act%20575.pdf
Singapore
http://app.cpib.gov.sg/cpib_new/user/default.aspx?pgID=202
Ombuds:
Ombudsprocess
http://www.wipro.com/investors/ombudsprocess.aspx
List of ombudspersons
www.wipro.com/documents/investors/pdf-files/wipro_ombuds_process.pdf
Hotline webpage
https://wipro.alertline.eu/gcs/welcome
http://www.wipro.com/investors/