Proactive engagement with our many stakeholders is a defining characteristic of Oxy’s social responsibility program. We are responsive to the communities in which we operate and strive to create mutually beneficial relationships.
Our goal is, without fail, to appropriately consider the self-sufficiency, sustainability, health, safety and environment of these communities, and to conduct our business there as a responsible corporate citizen.
In each of our international locations, we follow established procedures to gain a thorough understanding of the effects of Oxy’s presence on the local community and the surrounding region. Our social responsibility standard and Human Rights Policy require initial risk assessments, consistent monitoring of ongoing operational impacts and social risks, periodic reassessments and regular engagement with stakeholders to address community issues and concerns.
Oxy has a long record of successful community partnerships that generate social and economic opportunity. We team with local and international institutions on projects that help to raise the standard of living and improve quality of life. Whether focusing on education, healthcare, economic development, culture or the environment, all projects share the common goal of creating positive outcomes for Oxy’s stakeholders as well as for the company.
Oxy has a strict policy against bribery and corruption, which is outlined in our Code of Business Conduct. Oxy encourages our contractors, suppliers and agents to review the Code and includes specific anti-bribery contract provisions when warranted. These topics also are covered in human rights training sessions and risk assessments at our international operations.
In addition to the Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Compliance Counsel, Oxy has regional Segment Compliance Officers who monitor anti-corruption policies and procedures, as well as compliance with the Human Rights Policy and other company policies, at their respective business locations.
Oxy conducts due diligence on its prospective business partners, contractors, suppliers and agents to determine if they have any history of engaging in bribery, corruption or human rights abuse, among other areas of potential exposure.
Key Oxy employees such as officers, attorneys, managers and other employees who are identified by Oxy’s Compliance Officers participate in mandatory Code of Business Conduct training. In 2008, more than 3,800 employees participated in online training sessions covering key provisions of the Code of Business Conduct. In addition to computer training, Oxy Compliance Counsel and Compliance Officers conduct live training sessions at our global business locations on a periodic basis.
As with all other allegations of policy violations, Oxy will thoroughly investigate any credible report of suspected bribery or corruption. All officers, attorneys and managers are required to certify annually whether they are aware of any noncompliance with Oxy’s Code of Business Conduct. More than 2,600 employees submitted annual compliance certifications for 2008. Oxy’s internal audit department investigates business units for compliance on a risk-based schedule.
The Code of Business Conduct also outlines Oxy’s policy with respect to political contributions and lobbying activities. Consistent with the policy, a non-partisan Political Action Committee, OXYPAC, was organized to provide an opportunity for Oxy employees to participate in that arena.
Funded entirely by employees’ personal, voluntary contributions, OXYPAC contributes to qualified candidates and multicandidate committees, regardless of party affiliation, who share the interests of our company, our employees and our stockholders. OXYPAC activities are transparent and compliant with all applicable laws. OXYPAC disclosure reports are publicly available on the Federal Election Commission web site at www.fec.gov.