Statement of Ethical Practices

 The Society was founded in recognition of the need for education, ethics, etiquette, efficiency and the establishment of professional standards in the practice of hospitality purchasing.

The Society believes by organizing the collective knowledge and experience of those engaged in hospitality purchasing the quality of purchasing services to the industry will be greatly enhanced. Members of the Society have demonstrated their integrity and are qualified by their experience, training and knowledge to develop and express sound judgment in order to best serve the hospitality industry.

In recognition of the public interest in their obligation to the profession, members of the Society must agree in writing to comply with the following articles of professional conduct. Negative or disparaging marketing is strongly discouraged. Marketing and promotion by its members, therefore, should be done in a manner which reflects positively on the industry as a whole. 

 I. PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS OF PURCHASING PRACTICE

Members should:

1. Avoid unethical or compromising practices in relationships, actions, and communications.
2. Demonstrate loyalty to the client/customer by diligently following the lawful instructions of the client/customer, using reasonable care and only authority granted.
3. Handle confidential or proprietary information belonging to your client/customers or suppliers with due care and proper consideration of ethical and legal ramifications and governmental requirements.
4. Promote positive supplier relationships through courtesy and impartiality in all phases of the purchasing cycle.
5. Know and obey the letter and spirit of laws governing the purchasing function and remain alert to the legal ramifications of purchasing decisions.
6. Encourage all segments of society to participate by demonstrating support for small, disadvantaged, and minority-owned businesses.
7. Enhance the proficiency and stature of the purchasing profession by acquiring and maintaining current technical knowledge and the highest standards of ethical behavior.

And, in no event:

1. Shall a member engage in any private business or professional activity that would create a conflict between personal interests and the interests of your client/customer. In order to avoid such a conflict, a member must disclose in writing to its clients their having an ownership interest of 10% or greater in any business that provides goods or services to the hospitality industry.
2. Shall a member or the member’s company accept money, loans, credits, or prejudicial discounts from vendors that might influence purchasing decisions, nor should the member or the member’s company accept gifts, entertainment, favors, or services valued at more than $500 from vendors which might influence purchasing decisions or is specifically for the purpose of entertaining clients of the member or member’s company.
3. Shall a member enter into reciprocal agreements that restrain competition.

II. RELATIONSHIP WITH CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS

A member must not accept any assignment or engage in any practice involving a violation of the law, this Code or the member's specific ethical responsibilities. A member must immediately withdraw from any assignment if such a violation is identified.

1. Members shall, before accepting an assignment, confer with the client/customer in sufficient detail and gather sufficient facts to gain an understanding of the exact nature of the assignment including exactly what expectations exist.
2. Members will advise client/customer of any significant foreseeable problems or concerns regarding the assignment.
3. Members will not promise anything that is not within their control to deliver.
4. Member must not accept any assignments involving a conflict of interest and must withdraw from an assignment when an unavoidable conflict of interest arises after the assignment has been accepted unless such is fully disclosed in writing to all parties and all parties agree that the assignment may be accepted or continued.
5. The valuation of services and the procedures by which fees are charged are matters of individuals preferences and are based upon agreement between the purchasing company and client/customer. Agreement should be made in advance on the basis for charges, including the reimbursement of expenses.
6. A member may not accept any project which is beyond the scope of the member's competency, knowledge and expertise unless the member obtains the needed knowledge or expertise from other sources.

III. PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Members recognize from time to time they will be working with architects, designers, etc. . .and that it is necessary to adhere to certain standards of conduct in order to maximize the benefits to their clients/customers as well as to maintain the professional relationship.

1. Members recognize their responsibility to the professional to share the general body of knowledge and non-proprietary approaches they use in serving clients/customers.
2. Members referring a designer, architect, etc., will not misrepresent the qualifications of the other nor will they make any commitments for the other party. Members receiving a referral from another will ensure that no misrepresentations or commitments have been made in their behalf.
3. No member shall use its position as officer, director, or member to gain purely unfair advantage of one’s self or company in advertising, marketing, or promotion. Members are encouraged, however, to use the name of the Society in its marketing and promotion