Top Five Employee Questions Answered (Excerpt from January/February 1999 Circuit)

The following questions and answers represent the most frequent inquiries received from employees by the Ethics OpenLine during December 1998.

  1. Is it ok to attend an open hour sponsored by one of our suppliers?

    The typical answer to this question was yes. Most of the recent open houses included product demonstrations, facility tours, and/or technology presentations—making them a learning opportunity rather than a social gathering. The invitation lists also supported the "open house" concept. Therefore, the employees were able to attend.

  2. One of my suppliers has invited me to visit his facility to learn more about his processes and people, and to explore ways of improving our partnership and lowering out costs. He agreed to pay all of my expenses. What am I allowed to accept?

    Acceptance of meals or refreshments offered at a supplier’s cafeteria or facility where business is being conducted can be accepted. However, Northrop Grumman must pay travel and lodging expenses, as well as meals taken at locations other than the supplier’s facility.

  3. Can I use the company’s Internet for non-business activity during may lunch break?

    During work hours all use of company resources must be for authorized business purposes; however, off-hours incidental use is generally permitted with management concurrence. Employees should always check with local management first because there are some exceptions, such as, high security areas and government-owned systems. In addition, employees are required to adhere to appropriate use standards at all times when using company Internet/Intranet technology resources (Command Media procedures A175).

  4. I just started a moonlighting job with another company. Do I have to report this to Ethics?

    The answer depends on whether the other company has a business relationship with Northrop Grumman. A good first step is to review the questions on the Conflict of Interest form (C-196). The intent of the statement is to identify and address potential issues resulting from relationships with suppliers. Employees are required to execute a Conflict of Interest statement annually; however, if an employee’s status changes during the year and those changes impact the answers previously given on the C-196, a new form should be executed immediately. The form is available on Command Media.

  5. An airline company is giving double frequent flyer miles for flights booked. Is this ok?

    There are numerous varieties of this question—all sorts of incentives for flights booked, rooms reserved, and cars rented. Generally, incentives like frequent flyer miles can be received provided employees follow established procedures (available in Command Media). For example:

    • Ensure the business expense is appropriate and authorized by management;
    • Use the company’s approved travel agent to book transportation and lodging; and
    • Use your company-issued credit card when paying for travel expenses; document instances when this is not possible and report them on your Employee Expense Report.

    The issues presented above have been edited for your general information. Care should be given to ensure they are not applied out of context. Specific issues should be discussed with your local management or Business Conduct Officer.