The policy of Exxon Mobil Corporation is one of strict observance of all laws applicable to its business.
The Corporation's policy does not stop there. Even where the law is permissive, the Corporation chooses the course of the highest integrity. Local customs, traditions, and mores differ from place to place, and this must be recognized. But, honesty is not subject to criticism in any culture. Shades of dishonesty simply invite demoralizing and reprehensible judgments. A well-founded reputation for scrupulous dealing is itself a priceless company asset.
Employees are told that they must understand that the Corporation does care how results are obtained, not just that they are obtained. Employees are encouraged to tell higher management all that they are doing, to record all transactions accurately in their books and records, and to be honest and forthcoming with the Corporation's internal and external auditors. The Corporation expects employees to report suspected violations of law or ExxonMobil policies to company management.
The Corporation expects compliance with its standard of integrity throughout the organization and will not tolerate employees who achieve results at the cost of violation of laws or who deal unscrupulously. The Corporation supports, and expects you to support, any employee who passes up an opportunity or advantage that would sacrifice ethical standards.
Equally important, the Corporation expects candor from managers at all levels and compliance with ExxonMobil policies, accounting rules, and controls. One harm which results when managers conceal information from higher management or the
auditors is that subordinates within their organizations think they are being given a signal that company policies and rules can be ignored when they are inconvenient. This can result in corruption and demoralization of an organization. The Corporation's system of management will not work without honesty, including honest bookkeeping, honest budget proposals, and honest economic evaluation of projects.
It is ExxonMobil's policy that all transactions shall be accurately reflected in its books and records. This, of course, means that falsification of its books and records or the creation or maintenance of any off-the-record bank accounts is strictly prohibited.