Policies 

Code of Ethics - Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Statement - Conferences and Events Policies  

Code of Ethics

Introduction

The purpose of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Code of Ethics is to establish global standards of conduct and behavior for its members, certification holders, and anyone else who may represent or be perceived to represent ASQ. In addition to the code, all applicable ASQ policies and procedures should be followed. Violations to the Code of Ethics should be reported. Differences in work style or personalities should be first addressed directly with others before escalating to an ethics issue.

The ASQ Professional Ethics and Qualifications Committee, appointed annually by the ASQ Board of Directors, is responsible for interpreting this code and applying it to specific situations, which may or may not be specifically called out in the text. Disciplinary actions will be commensurate with the seriousness of the offense and may include permanent revocation of certifications and/or expulsion from the society.

Fundamental Principles

ASQ requires its representatives to be honest and transparent. Avoid conflicts of interest and plagiarism. Do not harm others. Treat them with respect, dignity, and fairness. Be professional and socially responsible. Advance the role and perception of the Quality professional.

Expectations of a Quality Professional

1. Act with Integrity and Honesty
   1. Strive to uphold and advance the integrity, honor, and dignity of the Quality profession.
   2. Be truthful and transparent in all professional interactions and activities.
   3. Execute professional responsibilities and make decisions in an objective, factual, and fully informed manner.
   4. Accurately represent and do not mislead others regarding professional qualifications, including education, titles, affiliations, and certifications.
   5. Offer services, provide advice, and undertake assignments only in your areas of competence, expertise, and training.
       
2. Demonstrate Responsibility, Respect, and Fairness
   1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of individuals, the public, and the environment.
   2. Avoid conduct that unjustly harms or threatens the reputation of the Society, its members, or the Quality profession.
   3. Do not intentionally cause harm to others through words or deeds. Treat others fairly, courteously, with dignity, and without prejudice or discrimination.
   4. Act and conduct business in a professional and socially responsible manner.
   5. Allow diversity in the opinions and personal lives of others.
       
3. Safeguard Proprietary Information and Avoid Conflicts of Interest
   1. Ensure the protection and integrity of confidential information.
   2. Do not use confidential information for personal gain.
   3. Fully disclose and avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest that could reasonably impair objectivity or independence in the service of clients, customers, employers, or the Society.
   4. Give credit where it is due.
   5. Do not plagiarize. Do not use the intellectual property of others without permission. Document the permission as it is obtained.

ASQ Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of ASQ that all Society members and participants in Society activities experience an environment free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. As a professional organization, ASQ is committed to providing an atmosphere that is inclusive and safe and encourages the exchange of ideas regardless of sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other legally protected status. Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are forms of misconduct that undermine the integrity of the Society and violate ASQ’s Code of Ethics.

Download the full ASQ Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Reporting violations of this policy: Any person covered by this policy who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment, discrimination, or retaliation should report the incident immediately using ASQ’s Red Flag Reporting system (Client Code: ASQMEM) at 877-647-3335 or www.redflagreporting.com. ASQ management can also assist any person in making a direct report to the legal or human resources departments.

All complaints will be treated seriously and investigated promptly. All reports will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the law and the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

The ASQ representatives jointly responsible for the administration of this policy are the Chief Human Resources Officer and the General Counsel.

Conferences and Events Policies

Images and Recordings Statement

Photographs and video may be taken at ASQ events. ASQ reserves the right to use any and all photographs/video without consent of individuals captured as a result. ASQ may use photographs/video in publications or other media materials, including but not limited to: brochures, books, magazines, websites, ASQTV, etc. By participating in an ASQ event, you agree to release ASQ from any and all claims involving the use of your picture or likeness.

ASQ Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of ASQ that all Society members and participants in Society activities experience an environment free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. As a professional organization, ASQ is committed to providing a conference and meeting environment that is inclusive and safe and encourages the exchange of ideas regardless of sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other legally protected status. Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are forms of misconduct that undermine the integrity of the Society and violate ASQ’s Code of Ethics.

ASQ’s Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy applies to all Society members and participants attending conferences and events, specifically including guests, speakers, contractors, sponsors, vendors, and exhibitors.

To review the full ASQ Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policy, visit https://asq.org/about-asq/governing-documents#compliance.

 Any person covered by this policy who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment or discrimination should report the incident immediately using ASQ’s Red Flag Reporting system (Client Code: ASQMEM) at 877-647-3335 or www.redflagreporting.com. ASQ management can also assist any person in making a direct report to the legal or human resources departments. All complaints will be treated seriously and investigated promptly.