Whenever there is uncertainty as to whether an action towards a customer or an official, for example, is ethically correct, Bonava's portfolio and land acquisition manager Katariina Haigh urges us to think about how the situation would look from someone else's eyes. If necessary, you should also think together with a colleague or supervisor, you don't have to go nuts alone.
Katariina Haigh works at Bonava as Portfolio and land acquisition manager. Bonava is Northern Europe's leading housing developer, which broke away from the NCC Group and was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 2016.
In her working career, Katariina has worked for ten years both as a civil servant, a city architect and in the private sector. Katariina has experienced a change in the Finnish operating culture in practice.
What kind of ethical questions or grievances have you encountered in your work career related to corruption, gifts or conflicts of interest?
Over the course of twenty years, the operating culture has clearly changed. The generational differences are really big. Sometimes, when I was in the municipal sector, I sometimes received excessive invitations to events that did not deal with business-related matters, but not anymore. That generation is probably already retired. During my time at Bonava, I have not come across any kind of ethical conflicts.
How would you describe the operating culture of Finnish and international companies. What similarities and on the other hand differences have you noticed in the ethics of companies in operating methods and practices?
The core of international listed companies' business is profitability and responsibility. A stock exchange listing requires extremely transparent operations. An absolute prerequisite for business is trust and openness.
Finnish companies operate in much the same way as international companies. Finns don't just emphasize and bring out their ethical practices in the same way that international companies do. The pressure to bring ethical principles to the fore increases as the company grows. Ethical principles and the way of working according to them are emphasized at Bonava with everyone, at all levels, also in everyday life.
How is anti-corruption action taken into account in Bonavan's Code of Conduct?
Bonava's values emphasize an ethical way of doing business. Strong ethical principles provide a direct framework for our actions in all business. On an everyday level, this can be seen, for example, in planning projects, building permit matters and land acquisition. We boldly present the same principles to everyone and at all levels: both to the city's management and to the personnel at the construction site.
We emphasize values in our company culture, they determine what we do externally as well. Trust is born from a matter-of-fact and equal attitude towards all different parties in everyday life. Reliability and expertise are extremely important for all partners, without forgetting customer orientation and courage. Excellence and enthusiasm in everything we do works really well for us.
Our Code of Conduct program is group-wide. Ethical principles have been strongly implemented in all countries. Each country has its own ethics adviser, who takes into account possible cultural differences in the interpretation of the principles. In conflicting situations, you can seek advice from advisors. The ethical guidelines have been distributed to everyone and they have also been discussed in one of your example pop-up events. In addition, we have an external speak up anonymous communication channel where you can report your suspicions of unethical activity.
What kind of good policies do you have regarding hospitality and receiving and giving gifts? When is there reason to suspect unusual hospitality or conflict of interest situations?
The lines are clear. Personal interest should not be pursued, but the interest of the organization is the most important. Any gifts must be approved by the organization and in accordance with our operational policies. We are critical. Times have changed and common sense should be used. The example set by management is of great importance.
Honesty is a good cornerstone. In uncertain situations, it's worth taking a moment to think about how this activity would look in public and from the point of view of your own personnel. Adhering to good principles strengthens the ethical operating culture throughout our industry. Clear principles, honest behavior towards oneself and others increase transparency.
What do you think is the importance of the ethical principles of the construction industry?
Ethical principles are very important. The influence of imagination is powerful. We can change the negative image through good examples by shedding light on how to work in the construction industry. Everyone can tackle this challenge with their own good actions.
See also
- Ethical principles in practice: 5. Do not participate in corruption
- Other parts of the Ethical Principles in Practice writing series
More information
- Merja Vuoripuro, Construction Industry RT ry
tel. 040 587 2642, merja.vuoripuro@rakennusteollisuus.fi - Sari Puurtinen, Juuriharja Consulting Group Oy
tel. 040 676 3772, sari.puurtinen@juuriharja.fi
Root brush is a coaching company specializing in ethical management.