General business principles

 

Introduction

Underpinning SPS’ commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and the pursuit of a sustainable future – economic, social and environmental – the General Business Principles set out guiding principles on integrity and ethics in business conduct.They govern SPS’ business decisions and actions throughout the world and apply equally to corporate actions and to the behavior of individual employees in conducting SPS’ business.They are subject to applicable laws. The General Business Principles are not all-encompassing, but formulate minimum requirements of behavior. The General Business Principles, which have been adopted by the Board of Management are reviewed on a regular basis and revised if necessary. In order to ensure that business ethics are a living issue throughout the company, a worldwide training program is in place to heighten awareness of the absolute need for strict compliance with the General Business Principles.

 

1. General commitment

The mission of SPS is through reliable very simple and advanced products and solutions to accelerate the process "Speech to Text" to simplify and thus to increase the efficiency of the customers in a sustainable manner. Speech processing should be in an un-dispensable part of everyday working life. The vision of the SPS is to be the preferred partner of our customers in speech processing market and to be perceived by all stake holderns as the highest reputable company in our industry. This is achieved by the leading role in terms of customer focus, quality, simplicity, professionalism and innovation that make us the # 1 in our industry.

SPS wishes to be a responsible partner in society, acting with integrity towards its shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers and business partners, competitors, governments and their agencies, and others who can be affected by its activities. SPS duly observes the applicable rules of the law of the countries in which it operates and regularly reviews its interests and those of affected persons or entities in order to ensure a healthy, long-term relationship with them. SPS endeavors to adapt to local situations in order to take the most appropriate approach to possible problems within the bounds of applicable law and responsible conduct. In this respect SPS supports the principle of dialogue and cooperation with all parties involved.

 

1.1 Human rights

With due regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that all parties in society, including corporate persons, have a duty to respect and safeguard human rights, and within the framework of the legitimate role of business, SPS supports and respects human rights and strives to ensure that its activities do not make it an accessory to infringements of human rights.

 

1.2 Child, bonded and forced labor

Under no circumstances will SPS make use of forced or bonded labor, nor will it employ children in violation of Conventions no. 138 and no. 182 of the International Labour Organization.

 

1.3 Free market competition

SPS supports the principle of free market competition as a basis for conducting its business and observes applicable competition laws and regulations.

 

1.4 Product safety

SPS aims, at all times, to supply safe products and services.

 

1.5 Privacy

The privacy of personally identifiable information about customers, employees, business partners and other individuals will be protected.

 

1.6 Environmental protection

Consistent with its commitment to sustainable development, SPS will do all that is reasonable and practicable to minimize any adverse effects of its activities on the environment.

 

2. Commitment towards customers

SPS is driven to improve people’s lives. Its goal is to constantly delight each customer with breakthroughs both large and small.To this end, the company seeks to maintain an ongoing dialogue with its customers. SPS is committed to listen to and learn from them, so that it is able to design and deliver the solutions they really want and need. SPS will always deal with its customers in a fair and forthright manner, maintaining the highest levels of integrity.

 

3. Commitment towards shareholders

It is of central importance to SPS to conduct its operations in accordance with the highest standards of internationally accepted principles of good corporate governance. SPS aims to achieve a satisfactory return on equity, with the intention of maintaining a sustainable dividend payment to shareholders, while at the same time retaining sufficient funds in the company to generate profitable growth. SPS attaches great value to its relations with its shareholders and the financial markets and provides timely, regular and reliable information on its activities, structure, financial position and performance.

 

4. Commitment towards employees

SPS values its employees as a key resource.An atmosphere of good employee communication, involvement and responsibility is of central importance, and an employee’s personal development and optimum use of talents is encouraged.

 

4.1 Right to organize

SPS recognizes and respects the freedom of employees to choose whether or not to establish, or to associate with, any organization. SPS respects – within the framework of (local) law, regulations and prevailing labor relations and employment practices – the right of its employees to be represented by labor unions and other employee organizations, and SPS will engage in negotiations, either on its own behalf or through employers’ associations, with a view to reaching agreement on employment conditions.

 

4.2 Health and safety

SPS will do all that is reasonable and practicable to protect the health and safety of its employees.

 

4.3 Equal and fair treatment

Every employee has equal opportunities and will be treated equally in employment and occupation regardless of personal background, race, gender, nationality, age, sexual preference or religious belief.The same applies to the recruitment of employees. SPS strives to offer equal pay for equal work performed at equal levels at similar locations. No form of harassment or discrimination will be tolerated.

 

4.4 Wages and payment

Remuneration and working hours shall comply with local labor laws and shall at least be in line with prevailing industry norms.

 

5. Commitment towards suppliers and business partners

SPS pursues mutually beneficial relationships with its suppliers and business partners. It seeks to awards business to suppliers and business partners who are committed to act fairly and with integrity towards their stakeholders and who observe the applicable laws of the countries in which they operate.

 

6. Assets and information

6.1 Use and protection of assets

Each employee is responsible for the proper use, protection and conservation of SPS´ assets and resources as well as confidential information disclosed to SPS by its business partners. SPS’ assets and resources, as well as any opportunities arising by virtue of one’s position, are to be used solely to pursue and achieve SPS´ goals and not for personal benefit.

 

6.2 Improper disclosure

SPS regards information for the purpose of its business as a corporate asset that must be protected against loss, infringement and improper use and disclosure. SPS is committed not to make use of information disclosed to it by a third party if it is suspected that the discloser thereby violates an obligation of confidentiality, unless the information: a) is generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure by SPS; b) has been developed independently by SPS; or c) becomes available to SPS either on a non-confidential basis from a third party who is not bound by any confidentiality obligations or by operation of law.

 

7. Business integrity

7.1 Bribery

Records of transactions SPS insists on honesty, integrity and fairness in all aspects of its business. Bribes in any form are unacceptable; commission payments and personal gifts or favors may only be made or accepted in strict accordance with the GBP Directives. SPS strives to comply with the highest levels of transparency and accountability throughout the company. Records of transactions should be maintained in an accurate, complete and timely manner in accordance with SPS accounting principles. No unrecorded funds or assets should be established or maintained.

 

7.2 Third-party interests

Employees are not allowed to have any direct or indirect financial interest in a supplier or competing company with the exception of a financial interest in a publicly traded company.

 

7.3 Political payments

SPS companies shall not make payments or donations, in money or in kind, to political parties, political organizations or individual politicians, unless such payments are made in strict accordance with the GBP Directives.

 

8. Observances of the General Business Principles

8.1 Sanctions

All SPS employees must comply with the General Business Principles.Violation may lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal, notwithstanding any further civil or criminal action that may be taken.

 

8.2 Reporting of violations

Reports of alleged violations have to be submitteted without delay to the superior and the SPS HR manager respectively.