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What kinds of identity protection measures does the company provide for whistleblowers whose identification is exposed in the process of investigation?
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Q. What kinds of identity protection measures the company provide for whistleblowers whose identification is revealed in the process of investigation?
A. Company and the personnel handling reports by whistleblowers make the utmost efforts to keep the the identity of the whistleblower and the report secret.
However, when the identity of the reporter is revealed unintentionally, they will provide the best possible measures to prevent the whistleblower from being put at any disadvantage due to the reporting. If the whistleblower finds or is expecting that his/her identification or personal information is revealed, he/she can request the department in charge of reporting for help. The company and the department will provide the best protection measures with the preferences and intention of the whistleblower taken into account. Individuals and/or department who unfairly treat the whistleblower, will be dealt with and punished appropriately in accordance with relevant regulations.
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Does the company have in place any special measures to mitigate or address any conflicts stemming from whistleblowing?
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Q. Whistleblowing is a mandatory action but does the company have in place any special measures to mitigate or address any conflicts arising from whistleblowing?
A. The company is obligated to protect the identity of the whistleblower and do their best to keep the identity secret in the process of investigation.
For example, the company will take measures against any disadvantage the whistleblower is put at to protect whistleblowers. If something unethical has taken place, it has to be addressed as soon as possible. In this regard, whistleblowing is beneficial to the company and the employees. Individuals and/or department who unfairly treat the whistleblower, will be dealt with and punished in accordance with relevant regulations.
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What kinds of reporting must the company protect?
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Q. The company operates a whistleblowing process to encourage insiders to report on any infringements of ethical management rules. There may be some reports that are motivated by private interest or personal spite against others, and these are included under protection of whistleblowers. If then, what kinds of reporting is justified and eligible for the protection provided by the company?
A. Reports motivated by private interest or personal spite will be punished by the company in accordance with relevant regulations. If they are made by contractors or partners, the business relationship can be terminated.
Just and proper reports that are eligible for the protection of the company shall satisfy the following conditions.
- The motives are strictly professional and relevant to the well being of the company.
- The report is about any illegal, immoral and/or unfair activities by insiders which have a significant effect on the company.
- The report contents are relevant and accurate
- The report is made in a legitimate and reasonable manner
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If there has been any infringement made prior to the enforcement of the Code of Ethics, how is it treated?
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Q. If there has been any infringement made prior to the enforcement of the Code of Ethics, how is it treated?
A. In principle, there's no retrospective application of the regulations.
However, if the infringement is still causing a problem, it should be mitigated or addressed voluntarily. Otherwise, it can cause a problem.
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