Code of Conduct - Dolphin Publications

Effective Date: 01-01-2025
Applies to all employees and freelancers of Dolphin Publications, including Techzine and ICT Magazine.

1. Introduction

Dolphin Publications is committed to maintaining a professional, ethical, and inclusive workplace. This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior expected from all employees, including editors, sales staff and freelancers. All employees are expected to comply with Dutch or Belgium labor laws based on where they live, media ethics, and industry best practices.

2. General Conduct

Treat colleagues, clients, and partners with respect and professionalism at all times.
Discrimination, harassment, or bullying will not be tolerated in any form.
Employees must follow all labor laws, including regulations on working hours, breaks, and fair treatment.

3. Editorial Integrity & Ethics (Applies to Editors & Journalists)

Accuracy & Fairness: Articles must be fact-checked and presented fairly. Misrepresentation, plagiarism, or bias is unacceptable.
Independence: Editorial content must not be influenced by advertisers, sponsors, or personal relationships. Paid content must be clearly labeled.
Confidentiality: Protect sources and confidential company information. Do not share unpublished materials outside the company.
Corrections & Accountability: If an error is published, it must be corrected promptly with full transparency.

4. Sales & Advertising Ethics (Applies to Sales Team)

Honest Representation: Sales staff must provide accurate information about advertising services and not mislead clients.
No Undue Influence: Sales must not pressure the editorial team to alter content to favor advertisers.
Conflict of Interest: Sales employees must disclose any personal relationships with advertisers or potential clients.
Data Protection: Client and advertiser data must be handled securely and in compliance with privacy laws (e.g., GDPR).

5. Workplace Behavior & Collaboration

Professional Communication: Use respectful language in emails, meetings, and public interactions.
Teamwork: Editors and sales teams should collaborate constructively while maintaining professional independence.
Workplace Safety: Follow health and safety guidelines for a safe working environment.

6. Confidentiality & Data Protection

Employees must not disclose sensitive company, client, or editorial information without authorization.
All personal and business data must be handled in accordance with GDPR and Dutch privacy regulations.

7. Conflicts of Interest

Employees must disclose any personal, financial, or professional conflicts of interest that could influence their work.
Editors must not write about companies they have financial ties to. Sales staff must avoid deals where they have a personal stake.

8. Use of Company Resources

Employees must use company email, computers, and other resources responsibly and only for work-related activities.
Personal use of company assets should be limited and must not violate company policies.

9. Social Media & Public Statements

Employees must be mindful that their public statements (including social media) can reflect on Dolphin Publications.
Personal opinions should be clearly separated from company communications.
Do not share internal company matters publicly without authorization.

10. Reporting Violations & Enforcement

Employees should report violations of this Code of Conduct to management or HR.
Reports will be investigated fairly, and appropriate actions will be taken.
Serious breaches (e.g., harassment, unethical journalism, data breaches) may result in disciplinary action, including termination.

11. Acknowledgment & Compliance

All employees must read and acknowledge this Code of Conduct. Adherence is mandatory to maintain a trustworthy, professional, and ethical workplace.

For any questions or concerns, please contact management.