Business Conduct Guide English
Business Conduct Guide English
Marriotts reputation and continued success as a global hospitality leader are grounded in our commitment to
service and business integrity and in our application of consistently high standards to everything we do.
Since the very beginning, a fundamental commitment to hard work, fair business practices, and respect for others
has shaped our everyday decision making and has guided our relationships with all of our stakeholders associates,
owners, business partners, franchisees, customers, and the communities in which we work.
Our commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen has not changed since 1927. Decisions that do not reflect
our fundamental values of integrity, honesty, and fairness can compromise our competitiveness, lead to significant
financial losses, and harm our associates.
Because our business relies upon integrity and good judgment, this Business Conduct Guide and related Company
policies were developed to provide all members of the Marriott community with guidance on not only what is legal
but also what is right.
This Guide supports our pledge to uncompromising business standards and a fair and ethical workplace.
All of us who act on behalf of Marriott are responsible for upholding Our Tradition of Integrity.
Sincerely,
Be Trustworthy.
Introduction.................................................................................................... 2 jump
Expectations and Responsibilities.......................................................... 2
Responsibilities of Marriotts Leadership................................................ 3
Confidential Reporting and No Retaliation.............................................. 4
Where to Go for Help............................................................................ 5
Acting with Honesty and Integrity............................................................... 7 jump
Accurate Books, Records, and Reports................................................ 8
Dealing Fairly with Customers.............................................................. 10
Competition Law and Antitrust............................................................. 11
Dealing Fairly with Competitors........................................................... 13
Commercial Bribery and Improper Gifts............................................... 14
Interacting Honestly with the Government............................................... 17 jump
Bribery, Illegal Gratuities, and Gifts....................................................... 18
Political Contributions and Activities.................................................... 21
Lobbying....................................................................................... 22
Providing Information to the Government............................................. 23
Trade Restrictions and Boycotts.......................................................... 23
Protecting Marriotts Assets and Reputation............................................ 25 jump
Proper Use of Marriotts Assets............................................................ 26
Protecting Confidential Information....................................................... 27
Insider Trading..................................................................................... 29
Protecting Marriotts Reputation........................................................... 30
Use of Associate Time......................................................................... 31
Conflicts of Interest.............................................................................. 32
Corporate Opportunities..................................................................... 33
Protecting and Respecting Customers and Associates.......................... 35 jump
Fair and Harassment-Free Workplace.................................................. 36
Health, Safety, and Security................................................................. 37
Customer and Associate Privacy......................................................... 37
Promoting the Greater Good...................................................................... 39 jump
Giving Back to the Community............................................................. 40
Supporting Human Rights and Human Dignity...................................... 40
Environmental Responsibility................................................................ 41
1
Business Conduct Guide
Every day, we welcome guests, conduct business, and make What is Expected of Everyone?
decisions and choices on behalf of Marriott International As Marriott associates, officers, directors, or other persons acting on
(Marriott) and all of the Marriott brands. behalf of Marriott (collectively associates), you are expected to be
familiar with and work within the code of business conduct detailed in
Every day, we are confronted with situations that test our this Business Conduct Guide.
values, our beliefs, and our judgment.
You are also expected to obey the law at all times. While Marriott does
The reputation of Marriott is built upon the actions of all of us not expect everyone to be subject matter experts in all areas of law, each
who act on behalf of Marriott. individual is held responsible for being familiar with the pertinent laws
governing his or her areas of responsibility.
It is vitally important for each of us to understand our legal
You may be required to certify from time to time that you have read
and ethical responsibilities so that we can make the right
and understand the Business Conduct Guide and are complying with
decisions every day. Marriott policies regarding legal and ethical business conduct.
Who is Responsible?
All Marriott associates are responsible for upholding the legal, ethical,
and social standards detailed in this Business Conduct Guide.
This Business Conduct Guide applies to the business operations
of all Company-branded hotels and businesses (including The
Ritz-Carlton), all Marriott business units, Marriott offices,
departments, and majority-owned subsidiaries.
Managers who are responsible for supervising other associates have
a specific responsibility to ensure that associates who report to them
understand the expectations contained in this Business Conduct Guide.
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Business Conduct Guide
This Business Conduct Guide provides you with the When reporting a suspected violation, you do not have to give your
information you need to identify potential compliance issues, name. However, you are encouraged to provide your name to assist with
the investigation of a potential violation. Conversely, associates who raise
to seek advice, and to report or raise a potential issue within
a concern are ensured a reasonable degree of confidentiality during the
Marriott. investigation and resolution of a concern.
When to Seek Advice No Retaliation means that associates who report a concern in good
If you are unsure of what to do in a given situation, stop to ask yourself: faith cannot be subjected to any adverse employment action, including
separation, demotion, suspension, or loss of benefits because of the
Is the action legal? report.
Is it consistent with Marriotts business values, and is it a winning If you believe someone has retaliated against you for your role in report-
situation for both Marriott and the customer? ing a concern or participating in an investigation, report the matter using
How would you feel about your decision if your friends and community the Business Integrity Line or other resources listed on page 5, Where
learned about it in the media? to Go for Help.
What would you do if you owned Marriott, and you were responsible for Enforcement of Business Conduct Violations
our reputation?
Violations of the Business Conduct Guide will be addressed promptly,
If you are still unsure if an action is a violation, discuss your questions and consistently, and effectively. Punishment may include prosecution,
concerns with an appropriate resource listed on page 5, Where to Go involuntary separation from employment, or other appropriate discipline
for Help. or performance management measures. A final update may be provided,
Note that in some instances, although the action may be appropriate, if appropriate, to the person who reported the violation, if the report was
written approval may be required. not made anonymously.
Associates who conceal misconduct, falsify records, knowingly make a
Confidentiality; No Retaliation
false report, or fail to comply with Marriott policies also may be subject
Marriott respects the confidentiality of associates who report potential to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Business Conduct Guide violations and has a No Retaliation policy for
Managers may be subject to disciplinary action if they do not adequately
associates who raise a concern honestly and in good faith.
supervise associates for whom they are responsible.
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Business Conduct Guide
The integrity of Marriott is diminished whenever our business Contact Internal Audit.
conduct standards are violated. You are encouraged to Telephone: Call the Chief Audit Executive or Business Ethics Manager
continue our Tradition of Integrity by asking questions and E-mail: Business.Ethics@Marriott.com
reporting Business Conduct Guide and policy violations. Fax: +1 (301) 380-3186
When you suspect or know that an action or inaction is or could be a Use the Online Form listed under the Contact Us page of the
violation of Marriott standards, consider the following options: Business Ethics site on MGS to report your ethical or legal concern
through Marriotts confidential website
Discuss your concerns with your manager. Use the open door
Mail: Marriott International, Inc.
process.
Attention: Internal Audit
Read the relevant Company policies. They are available on Marriotts 10400 Fernwood Road
intranet (Marriott Global Source or MGS), published as Marriott Department 52/924.09
International Policies (MIPs). Bethesda, MD 20817
Call the Business Integrity Line. Contact the Marriott Law Department.
In the United States (U.S.), U.S. territories, and Canada: Mail: Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott properties: (888) 888-9188 Attention: General Counsel
10400 Fernwood Road
Ritz-Carlton properties: (877) 777-RITZ or (877) 777-7489
Department 52/923.30
Outside the U.S., U.S. territories, and Canada, refer to the phone Bethesda, MD 20817
numbers listed on posters and printed materials at your workplace.
Ethics resources and materials can also be found on the Business Ethics
site on MGS.
Please note: The Business Integrity Line and online resources are
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Remember, Marriott
adheres to a policy of No Retaliation. See page 4.
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Be Accurate,
Honest, and Fair.
Avoid Even the
Appearance of
Wrongdoing.
6
Acting with Honesty and Integrity
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Business Conduct Guide Acting with Honesty and Integrity
Competition and antitrust laws affect almost every aspect Do Not Make Unlawful Agreements with Competitors
of our global business, including our international activities, Any agreement or understanding with competitors to limit competition or
which may be subject to both U.S. antitrust laws and the collaborate can be unlawful even if the firms involved did not act on the
laws of the European Union or of other countries where we agreement or if the firms actions did not actually harm competition.
do business. Our policy is to comply with all applicable laws Depending upon the jurisdiction, certain agreements are automatic
and regulations. violations of antitrust laws, including:
Actual or inferred agreements to raise, lower, or stabilize prices (e.g.,
Penalties for violating or even appearing to violate competition laws room rates)
may be severe for both Marriott and Marriott associates.
Agreements to reduce output (e.g., keeping inventory off-line)
As required by your duties and position at Marriott, you are responsible
for being reasonably familiar with applicable competition laws where you Agreements to allocate customers, products, or geographic territories
do business. (e.g., refraining from development in certain areas)
It would be impossible to describe here all of the global competition laws Agreements to boycott or refuse to deal with certain customers or
that apply to our business. However, examples of the most common suppliers
potential violations relevant to us are set forth below and in more detail in Agreements to coordinate terms or conditions for wages, benefits,
MIP-10 (Antitrust Compliance). fees, or other compensation for associates, independent contractors,
or vendors, except as permitted by specific labor laws
What Other Practices Might Violate Competition Laws? Is Below-Cost Pricing Ever Acceptable?
The following business practices are typically not appropriate, depending There are limited circumstances where below-cost pricing may be
upon the circumstances and the laws of the applicable country or locality: acceptable, such as introductory offers. If in doubt, consult the Marriott
Predatory or below-cost pricing or other exclusionary practices that are Law Department.
designed to maintain or create a monopoly by impairing a competitors
ability to compete or that are designed to drive out or deter competition
Example
Exclusivity arrangements that deny a competitor access to customers,
distribution channels, or raw materials, particularly if they result in higher Conversations with Competitors
prices for consumers Marriott and a competitor are planning to build hotels in an emerging
Tying or conditional arrangements, which require a customer who market. At an industry meeting, the competitors employee casually
wants to buy or lease one product to also buy or lease a second suggests to a Marriott associate that the two hotel chains should
coordinate the sites of their new hotels to avoid crowding.
product, should not be imposed without prior approval of the Marriott
Law Department Correct Action: Associates should be on heightened alert when
interacting with competitors. The conversation above could violate
competition laws. The Marriott associate would be prudent to
change the subject, remove himself from the conversation, and
Seek Advice
contact the Marriott Law Department for guidance.
Seek guidance from the Marriott Law Department in these situations or
when in doubt about any competitive strategy.
Consult MIP-75 for more information Correct Action: Assuming the meal is not inappropriately lavish, the associate may accept
regarding Marriotts gift policies. the meal.
16
Interacting Honestly with the Government
Lobbying....................................................................22
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Business Conduct Guide Interacting Honestly with the Government
continued on page 19
Examples
Questionable Third-Party Negotiation congresswoman has retired, the associate considers sending a gift basket to
the congresswoman in recognition of her retirement and to thank her for her
Marriott is negotiating a contract with a representative of a Middle Eastern
country to provide meeting space and lodging for an OPEC meeting. A local hard work on the legislation.
company wants to act as Marriotts agent in the negotiations in exchange for Correct Action: The associate may not provide the gift basket because
a commission that seems excessive and inappropriate for the service. The it might appear to be a gratuity given because of an official action by the
company has told Marriott officials off the record that it has the inside edge congresswoman. It thus violates Marriott policy, regardless of whether the
for the meeting space and lodging contract. associate paid for the gift with Company or personal funds.
Correct Action: Immediately raise this high-risk issue with the Marriott Law Cash in Exchange for Permit Approval
Department, which will assist in determining how the situation should be
handled. A Marriott associate is responsible for obtaining a necessary land use
permit for a Marriott hotel. All of the legal conditions for the permit have
Suspected Corrupt Conduct of Agent been satisfied. The government official responsible for reviewing Marriotts
Marriott plans to build new hotels in a country where corruption is rarely application says he will approve it in exchange for $50 USD.
punished. A Marriott associate is planning to hire an agent and interpreter to Correct Action: Associates may not give or receive bribes no matter how
explain Marriotts plans to government officials in order to obtain necessary small the sum. The associate should seek guidance from the Marriott Law
permits. The agent insists upon meeting alone with government officials and Department.
recommends his fees be documented as a public relations campaign or
introduction services. The associate suspects that the agent may engage Government Officials Preferred Contractor
in corrupt conduct. A Marriott hotels General Manager in a Latin American country has been
Correct Action: Given the countrys reputation for condoning corruption, the told by the government official in charge of health inspections that a cleaning
associate should raise the issue with the Marriott Law Department. service company run by his cousin provides excellent services. The inspector
informs the GM that other hotels using his cousins service have never been
Thank You Gift for Retired Congresswoman charged with a local health violation.
A respected U.S. congresswoman recently retired. She had been instru- Correct Action: The health inspectors suggestion contains many red flags
mental in passing legislation of importance to Marriott and even met with a that require analysis by the Marriott Law Department. Even if competitive bid
Marriott associate to discuss Marriotts views on the legislation. Now that the procedures were followed, the propriety of the relationship is questionable.
continued on page 21
There are strict rules that govern political contributions and Be Aware of Laws Related to Government Contracts
personal political activities of Marriott associates. Managers must be mindful of so-called pay-to-play laws adopted
by numerous state and local governments and applicable to individual
Political Contributions government agencies. Such laws vary, but, in general, they prohibit
Corporate campaign contributions and expenditures given to political companies from receiving certain government contracts if the company
parties and candidates for federal office are prohibited under U.S. law. made contributions to the campaigns of that jurisdictions government
officials.
We lawfully participate in U.S. federal elections through our Political
Action Committee (PAC). Some states and localities even prevent companies from being awarded
government contracts if the companys directors, officers, and certain
Although other countries and some U.S. states and localities may permit
other associates personally contribute money to the campaigns of
political contributions from corporate treasury funds, our guidelines are
relevant candidates.
clear:
Be mindful of these laws when deciding to provide financial support to a
You may not make political contributions and expenditures on
candidate and when competing for government contracts on behalf of
behalf of Marriott or involve Marriott in political activities without prior
Marriott.
approval from Marriotts Office of Government Affairs.
Managers may not require political contributions or contributions to
the PAC as a condition of employment or any other job-related benefit. Seek Advice
Marriott may not reimburse you by any method (including direct For more information, refer to MIP-80. When in doubt about pay-to-
payment, increased bonuses, or inflated expense allowances) for play laws of a particular jurisdiction, consult with Marriotts Office of
political contributions. Government Affairs.
Always be truthful in providing information to the Many countries, including the U.S., impose trade restrictions
government on behalf of Marriott. and boycotts that have underlying foreign policy objectives.
You may interact with various government agencies in many ways. Such restrictions typically prohibit certain business activities with and
Examples include: within certain countries or with particular persons or entities that are
Filing routine information with government agencies (e.g., tax returns, deemed a threat to security, human dignity, and human rights. These
lobbying disclosure reports, securities filings) restrictions include prohibitions on business activities with designated
narcotics traffickers, terrorist organizations, and proliferators of weapons
Participating in legal actions before agencies and courts of mass destruction.
Providing information in connection with special government inquiries In addition, U.S. law generally prohibits participation by U.S. citizens or
and investigations entities in unrecognized international boycotts. Because Marriott is
Making false statements in these circum-stances may harm Marriotts incorporated in the U.S., we abide by U.S. economic sanctions and
reputation and may result in severe penalties for both Marriott and the anti-boycott laws, regardless of where we do business. If you are
responsible associate. responsible for generating business outside the country in which you
work, you must be familiar with applicable trade restrictions.
Never attempt to obstruct a government inquiry or the administration
of justice, and immediately report any such activities by others. Tell a Export control laws may restrict certain business generation activities in
manager or use any of the other methods listed on page 5, Where to a country, including the transmission of data, submission of proposals,
Go for Help. or solicitation of business.
Remember, Marriott adheres to a policy of No Retaliation. See page 4.
Seek Advice
Information & Advice When in doubt about whether a trade restriction applies to Marriotts
business, consult the Marriott Law Department.
For more information about interaction with governments, political
activity, or political contributions in the U.S., consult MIP-80. Direct
your questions to Marriotts Office of Government Affairs.
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Protecting Marriotts Assets and Reputation
Insider Trading...........................................................29
Conflicts of Interest...................................................32
Corporate Opportunities............................................33
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Business Conduct Guide Protecting Marriotts Assets and Reputation
Insider Trading
It is illegal to use material nonpublic information to make Policies for Trading in Securities
personal investment decisions to buy, sell, or trade in Marriott has established specific policies for associates trading in Marriott
securities such as stocks, bonds, and options. securities or the securities of entities with which we do business or are
likely to do business. If you trade in such securities, you must abide by
This is considered insider trading and applies to associates, officers,
these policies, which include the following:
and directors who have access to nonpublic information about Marriott
or our business partners, customers, contractors, and suppliers. Marriott directors, officers, and employees who are designated as
restricted associates, may trade in Marriott securities only at times
The ban on insider trading includes using material nonpublic information
permitted, as detailed in MIP-11 (Securities Trading).
to recommend investment decisions or to provide it to others to assist
them in their investment decisions. All associates, even those of you who are not designated as restricted,
are prohibited from engaging in insider trading.
Inside information may include, but is not limited to:
Even at times when trading is permitted, directors and certain officers
Information regarding upcoming mergers and acquisitions
must obtain pre-approval for certain transactions in Marriott securities.
Changes in critical management
You may not engage in derivative transactions (such as short sales or
Undisclosed financial results call or put options) in Marriott securities.
Development of new products and services
In the event of an inadvertent disclosure of inside information,
Information & Advice
immediately report the facts to the Marriott Law Department.
Consult MIP-11 for detailed information concerning prohibited trading
practices and passing of inside information to others. When in doubt,
seek advice from the Marriott Law Department.
are prohibited
from engaging
in insider
trading.
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Business Conduct Guide Protecting Marriotts Assets and Reputation
The Role of Public Relations Treat your time spent at work and the working hours of other
Public statements from and concerning Marriott must be coordinated associates as corporate assets.
with, approved by, and released through a central corporate public
Dedicate your full attention to your work every time you report for duty
relations source. The objective is to ensure that what we communicate
with Marriott, and avoid engaging in activities that detract from your
publicly is factual, serves our shareholders and our interests, is not
duties during working hours. Managerial associates also should ensure
misleading or confusing and meets all legal and regulatory requirements.
that associates are paid for all hours worked.
In general, all communications must comply with Marriotts Social
Media Guidelines For Associates and Marriotts other communications
policies. If an emergency situation could lead to publicity or media Example
inquiries, all management bears the responsibility for promptly alerting
Outside Business Ventures
the Communications Department.
After consulting with a manager and obtaining approval, a Marriott
Consider the Implications manager decides to pursue an outside business venture. A few times
per week, the manager asks her assistant, an associate of Marriott, to
If you would be uncomfortable seeing one of your communications or
devote one or two hours to working on documents related to her new
disclosures on the Internet or being overheard by a Marriott manager, venture. The manager reasons that the additional work will not interfere
ask yourself whether the disclosure is necessary and whether the with the assistants duties for Marriott, and the assistant does not mind
communication might result in broader disclosure, might be subject to assisting with the new venture.
misinterpretation, or might harm Marriott.
Right or Wrong? The managers new business is a personal activity.
Therefore, the manager should not ask a Marriott associate to devote
Information & Advice time to his venture. This is a misuse of an associates time.
For additional information, consult MIP-25, MIP-28, and the Social
Media Guidelines For Associates.
Conflicts of Interest
As associates, you should avoid activities that might result in, Do not create the appearance that Marriott is sponsoring or supporting
or give the appearance of, a conflict between your personal personal outside activities unless proper approvals have been granted.
interests and the best interests of Marriott. Avoid serving on the Board of Directors of another company. Service
on boards of charitable and nonprofit organizations must conform with
A conflict of interest arises when personal interests interfere with a the standards of MIP-59 (Outside Business Activities).
persons ability to make objective business decisions or work effectively
Employment of relatives in direct or indirect supervisory roles is
on behalf of Marriott.
controlled by Marriott policy and could be inappropriate. Contact
Some of the rules designed to prevent conflicts of interest include: your Area or Regional Human Resources (HR) manager for further
Avoid selecting, on behalf of Marriott, contractors and suppliers owned guidance.
or operated by personal friends or family members. Marriott has established specific procedures for the disclosure and
Avoid personal investment decisions and outside business ventures approval of outside business activities, as detailed in MIP-59. If you wish
that might compromise your ability to make decisions in the best to engage in outside business activities, you must follow all required
interest of Marriott. For example, personal material investments in the procedures.
stock of a business partner, customer, supplier, or other entity with
which Marriott may do business, might give the appearance that your
decisions for Marriott may be affected by favoritism. Example
Avoid outside employment or business ventures that may interfere with Hiring a Relatives Business
your ability to perform your duties for Marriott in an objective, effective, An associate is hiring a landscaper for a new Marriott resort. In response
and timely manner. to an open request for bids, he receives a proposal from a landscaping
business in which his cousin has a significant but passive interest. The
Do not promote your employment with Marriott in connection with any cousins business has a good reputation, has offered a fair price, and
outside business activity, speech, presentation, or publication without satisfies all requirements.
authorization.
Correct Action: The associate should not select a landscaper until
he informs a manager of the potential conflict of interest in selecting
the landscaper. The manager may decide to transfer this decision to
another associate or take other measures to mitigate the appearance of
a conflict.
Corporate Opportunities
Seek Advice
When in doubt, seek guidance from the Marriott Law Department.
34
Protecting and Respecting Customers and Associates
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Business Conduct Guide Protecting and Respecting Customers and Associates
Marriott strives to protect the health, safety, and personal There are strict policies concerning the disclosure of
security of those who visit our properties and who work information about Marriott guests and associates.
for us.
There are only limited circumstances in which the private information of
Providing a healthy, safe, and secure environment supports our associates or customers may be disclosed outside of Marriott.
mission to provide an excellent experience for our guests and to You are responsible for reviewing and understanding Marriott policies
protect our associates from harm. before you release information about Marriott customers and
You are expected to comply with all health, safety, and security associates. Other than the exceptions expressly identified in Marriott
requirements and to be alert for health and safety hazards and policies, you may not disclose records and information concerning
breaches of security. present or former customers or associates.
This private information includes any Personally Identifiable Information
(PII), which can be associated with or traced to an individual, such as:
Name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, government
issued identifications (e.g., Social Security number), health records,
credit card information, or other financial information
Information concerning customers and associates must be safeguarded
and should be used only for legitimate business purposes and should
not be shared, even within Marriott, except on a need-to-know basis.
More Information:
Consult MIP-47 (Personal Information Privacy) for more information
regarding PII.
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Promoting the Greater Good
Environmental Responsibility....................................41
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Business Conduct Guide Promoting the Greater Good
Giving Back to the Community Supporting Human Rights and Human Dignity
Marriott has a social responsibility to serve the Marriott supports human rights around the world and works
greater community. to protect human rights within our sphere of influence.
To have the most significant impact, our social responsibility and Ensuring that our property and services are appropriately used by
community commitment blends corporate financial contributions with others is an important element of our support of human rights.
in-kind giving and the volunteer service of Marriott associates around Our Human Rights Policy Statement aligns with government, business,
the world. and public concern about issues such as human trafficking and the
Our commitment to social responsibility not only benefits the exploitation of children.
communities in which we live and work, but it also: Adhering to these principles and doing business with those who
Strengthens the Marriott culture do the same will help us maintain a competitive advantage and the
Helps us attract and retain valued associates, customers, and respect and confidence of our associates, customers, and clients.
business partners If you suspect that our property is being used for illegal purposes or
Provides opportunities for development in a way that does not respect human dignity, or if you believe that an
associates conduct is inconsistent with this policy, report your
As Marriott associates, we should be guided by the principle of giving concerns immediately, using any resource listed on page 5, Where to
back more than we take. We are all expected to be kind, generous, and Go for Help.
charitable to others. Remember, Marriott adheres to a policy of No Retaliation. See page 4.
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Business Conduct Guide Promoting the Greater Good
Environmental Responsibility
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Business Conduct Guide