With the mission as our foundation, significant effort has been expended to ensure that clear statements of appropriate business practice exist and are communicated frequently to employees in all worldwide locations. To support this effort, extensive training programs have been developed and translated into local languages. Clear communication channels have been established to answer employee questions and to provide guidance in questionable situations. In addition, peri-odic monitoring takes place to ensure employee understanding and compliance. Management commitment at all levels in the organization has been a critical ingredient for success.
Management needs to lead by example.
We must be prepared to deal openly with difficult situations and be willing to walk away from business that does not conform to established ethical standards, even when it means sacrificing immediate financial gain. While management commitment is important, ultimately we trust the judgement and actions of each and every employee. As a result, we take great care in selecting and integrating employees into the Medtronic culture. As hard as we try, we certainly are not perfect. From time to time that trust has been broken and our ethical standards have been breached.