// Ethical standards

Basic values and ethics in focus

Ethics is an important issue in Veidekke, and we are working actively in this area by challenging and discussing ethical dilemmas in our day-to-day work. Our basic values are a core element of our corporate culture, and they are communicated regularly in personnel and management development forums, in introduction programmes for new employees, and in internal and external communication. But it is one thing to establish and communicate a set of clear rules, as we have done through the leaflets entitled "Ethical Rules at Veidekke" and "Working black – there are no grey zones!". Quite another is to obtain practical training concerning ethical dilemmas one might come across in the course of a working day. How does one handle a building site rumour which may stop the entire work process and at the same time ruin an already tight schedule? And is it really acceptable to invite a good business associate to go salmon fishing? These are practical dilemmas employees in Veidekke may be faced with during the course of a normal working day, and to be able to resolve such issues in the best possible manner, training is imperative.

New tool for dilemma training

Therefore, in addition to the work already being performed in individual forums for handling ethical problems, we have in 2008 developed a new computer-based tool for dilemma training. The tool consists of seven filmed situations, in which the user is presented with various dilemmas and possible solutions. The user is given feedback as the training progresses, and the tool also comprises 38 short written dilemmas which complement the films. This is a highly flexible tool which can be used by individuals as well as groups. It will be launched some time during 2009, and will gradually be taken into use in different forums, ranging from top management meetings to on-site training sessions. It is meant to be a live tool in which the user can enter personal comments and own experiences in connection with ethical dilemmas in Veidekke. In time, we also envisage making the tool available to people outside Veidekke, such as school classes, non-governmental organisations, journalists, customers, subcontractors or others who may have an interest in ethical questions in the building and construction industry.

Zero tolerance for corruption

Building and construction has been described as an industry where corruption is a considerable problem. The scope of corruption in our industry will always be difficult to gauge. Nevertheless, we take this situation very seriously, and the Group has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to corruption. The combination of our ethical rules, the dilemma training for employees and a good reporting system will help to prevent any attempt to breach our rules, values and attitude. Our ethical guidelines, information about reporting irregular activities and insider routines are posted on Veidekke's intranet. The ethical guidelines of the Norwegian contractors' association for building and construction (EBA) have also been included in Veidekke's Personnel Handbook, which is issued to all employees in Norway.

Taking the industry seriously

Through the Federation of Norwegian Construction Industries, Veidekke is involved in a project entitled "Veracity in the Building Sector", in which the partners have made a long-term commitment to improve knowledge of and compliance with the rules of the industry. Previously, the industry has seen serious occupational accidents due to poor safety conditions, extensive tax evasion and recurrent bankruptcies, and this initiative will help keep unwanted players out of the market. In addition, a joint qualification scheme called StartBANK has been established for suppliers to the building and construction industry. Suppliers should be rewarded for running a serious business in the building and construction industry, and StartBANK will make it easier for potential clients to find the serious businesses. All suppliers registered in StartBANK undergo an assessment based on a set of objective approval criteria. The StartBANK register is established in cooperation with the quality assurance company Achilles.

Standardising housing advertisements helpful to buyers

It can sometimes be extremely difficult for potential property buyers to find the information they need in the jungle of housing advertisements. Every estate agent has its own way of presenting properties, and for most people, comparing the various offers can prove to be an almost impossible task. What is the real purchase price? How much are the overhead costs? What is the interest rate? During the last year, several property buyers have come forward in the media, claiming that they have been swindled or that they have not received enough information about the property they have bought. This is part of the reason why Veidekke, in cooperation with the Norwegian Consumer Council, has prepared a suggested standard for housing advertisements. Such a standard would make it a lot simpler for potential buyers to compare a set of basic property facts. We hope other players in the industry will support this initiative, and in time, include its contents in the industry norm.