Code of Conduct

Introduction

The IoDT’s Code of Conduct is issued by the Board of the Institute and outlines the standards and behaviors that every member is expected to uphold in order to ensure the highest levels of honesty and integrity. The IoDT’s Code of Conduct reaffirms the Institute’s commitment to ethical conduct, its compliance with all relevant laws, and its practice of avoiding potential or actual conflicts of interest. The Code of Conduct clarifies what is expected of IoDT members and provides for disciplinary actions against those whose conduct is deemed unacceptable or unbecoming of corporate leaders and executives. While the Code does not address every possible situation, it provides a guide to the values, behaviors, and working methods that are essential to being a member of the Institute. If you face an ethical dilemma or have concerns, please feel free to contact us at the IoDT.

Values

The IoDT’s Values that underpin this Code of Conduct are:

  • Integrity: Leading Tanzanian corporations and institutions to international best practices in corporate governance, while upholding the highest ethical, moral, and professional standards.
  • Excellence: Aiming for excellence in all our endeavors, driven by our values.
  • Accountability: Acting responsibly and demonstrating accountability for our decisions and actions.
  • Knowledge and Foresight: Promoting continuous learning and the development of planning and transformational skills among our members.
  • Teamwork and Innovation: Working together in mutual respect toward common goals, recognizing that innovation comes from harnessing diversity.
  • Transparency: Operating in a fair and transparent manner, devoting time for the benefit of the Institute and its members.

Together, these six values guide the IoDT’s conduct and dealings with all stakeholders, placing our members at the heart of everything we do.

Why Ethics Matter

Operating ethically is an essential aspect of our mission. Our Founders, Patrons, members, and stakeholders look to the IoDT as a model of corporate governance and business ethics. It is crucial that we behave ethically to maintain the confidence of our stakeholders and to retain our members. Being a member of the IoDT places you in a position of trust and responsibility, and it is your duty to uphold our ethical values. The IoDT’s Code of Ethics provides clear parameters for acceptable principles that should guide members’ decisions and actions. It serves as an important reference to clarify the standards that govern our conduct, reaffirming our commitment to responsible behavior and practice.

The Code

Members of the IoDT are expected to act in a manner that does not bring disrepute upon themselves or the Institute, whether in their personal or professional capacity.

  • Adherence to the Code: Adherence to this Code is a condition of membership. Members who are found guilty of misconduct, including actions that discredit the Institute or the profession, may face disciplinary action.
  • Compliance: Members must comply with the applicable laws and regulations of Tanzania and other countries in which they operate, as well as with the Tanzanian Code of Corporate Governance.
  • Professionalism: Members are required to uphold the IoDT’s Constitution, Rules, and Regulations, and conduct themselves with the highest standards of honesty, integrity, diligence, loyalty, reliability, and responsiveness.
  • Respect for Governance: Members should respect the principles of good corporate governance, based on transparency, accountability, fairness, and responsibility.
  • Commitment to Responsibility: Members must safeguard the interests of their employers, colleagues, and clients, ensuring they do not knowingly engage in illegal or unethical activity.
  • Conflict of Interest: Members must not act in a manner that conflicts with the legitimate interests of their employer, client, or the IoDT, and must use sound judgment and reasonable care in their professional duties.

Breach of the Code of Conduct

In order to protect the IoDT’s reputation and uphold our values, the IoDT may terminate the membership of any member who breaches this Code.

Where to Go for Help?

The IoDT encourages its members to conduct business with the highest standards of ethics, honesty, and integrity. Members concerned about malpractice, improper actions, or wrongdoing by the IoDT, its employees, its Directors, or any of its members, should report the matter to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chairman. All concerns will be taken seriously and investigated with the utmost confidentiality. Members are encouraged to raise any incidents or behaviors that do not align with this Code of Conduct.

Ethical Decision-Making Tool

While this Code cannot address every situation, it provides a framework for ethical decision-making. Use this guide to help you navigate tough decisions:

  • Recognize the ethical issue
  • Get the facts
  • Evaluate alternative actions from ethical perspectives
  • Make a decision and test it
  • Act and reflect on the decision later

Use the Quick Test when making a final decision:

  • Is it legal?
  • What does the Code of Conduct say?
  • What would my ethical role model do?
  • How would it look on the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper?
  • How does it make me feel?
  • Would I be comfortable sharing my decision with my family?
  • Does it pass the Golden Rule test: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?”

Seeking Guidance

Members who wish to seek guidance on any issue may do so in strict confidentiality by contacting the IoDT.