This Code is derived from three interlinked fundamental principles, viz. good corporate governance, good corporate citizenship and exemplary personal conduct.
Gujarat Hotels Limited (GHL) is a professionally managed organisation and the core
value underlying our corporate philosophy is “trusteeship”. We believe this organisation
has been handed to us by the various stakeholders in “trust” and we as professional
managers are the “trustees” of these stakeholders. It is therefore our responsibility to
ensure that the organisation is managed in a manner that protects and furthers the
interests of our stakeholders. We recognise society as an important stakeholder in this
enterprise and therefore it is part of our responsibility to practise good corporate
citizenship.
It is also our belief that in order to serve the interests of our stakeholders in perpetuity, we must build GHL into an institution whose dynamism and vitality are anchored in its core values.
The Corporate Governance Policy is the apex level instrument guiding conduct of the affairs of the Company and clearly delineates the roles, responsibilities and authorities of the key entities in the governance structure of the Company. This Code forms an integral part of the Company's Governance Policy. The directors, senior management and employees must adhere to the Corporate Governance Policy of the Company.
In the conduct of the Company's business, the practice of good corporate citizenship is a prerequisite and embraces the following:
In dealing with each other, directors, senior management and employees shall uphold the values which are at the core of our HR Philosophy - trust, teamwork, mutuality and collaboration, meritocracy, objectivity, self respect and human dignity. Indeed, these values form the basis of our HR management systems and processes. In selection and recruitment, while meritocracy will be a prime criterion, managers will scrupulously consider all factors that go towards securing the interests of the Company. GHL will focus on meritocracy, equity and upholding of Company values in all people processes including performance management systems appraisals, remuneration and rewards.
As a good corporate citizen, GHL is committed to a gender friendly workplace. It seeks
to enhance equal opportunities for men and women, prevent/stop/redress sexual
harassment at the workplace and institute good employment practices.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexually determined behaviour such as:
unwelcome physical contact; a demand or request for sexual favours; sexually coloured
remarks; showing pornography and any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal
conduct of a sexual nature.
GHL maintains an open door for reportees; encourages employees to report any
harassment concerns and is responsive to employee complaints about harassment or
other unwelcome and offensive conduct. A committee has been constituted to enquire
into complaints and to recommend appropriate action, wherever required.
GHL demands, demonstrates and promotes professional behaviour and respectful
treatment of all employees.
All directors, senior management and employees shall ensure that in their dealings with suppliers and customers, the Company’s interests are never compromised. Accepting gifts and presents of more than a nominal value, gratuity payments and other payments from suppliers or customers will be viewed as a serious breach of discipline as this could lead to compromising the Company’s interests.
It is the Company’s policy to comply fully with all applicable laws and regulations. Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance is the responsibility of the Chief Executives of the Businesses and the Divisional Management Committees. The Company cannot accept practices which are unlawful or may be damaging to its reputation. Divisional Management Committees must satisfy themselves that sound and adequate arrangements exist to ensure that they comply with the legal and regulatory requirements impacting each business and identify and respond to developments in the regulatory environment in which they operate. In the event the implication of any law is not clear, the Company’s Legal Department shall be consulted for advice.
The Company attaches great importance to a healthy and safe work environment. GHL is committed to provide good physical working conditions and encourages, high standards of hygiene and housekeeping. Particular attention should be paid to training of employees to increase safety awareness and adoption of safe working methods, particularly designed to prevent serious or fatal accidents.
The Company believes that commitment to sustainable development is a key
component of responsible corporate citizenship and therefore deserves to be accorded
the highest priority. Accordingly, the Company is committed to Best Practices in
environmental matters arising out of its business activities and expects each business to
fully demonstrate this commitment.
In addition to complying with applicable laws and regulations, Businesses must
establish procedures for assessing the environmental effects of their present and future
activities. They should adopt Best Practices in their environmental policies and
procedures.
All directors, senior management and employees have the obligation to conduct themselves in an honest and ethical manner and act in the best interest of the Company at all times. They are expected to demonstrate exemplary personal conduct through adherence to the following:
All directors, senior management and employees must avoid situations in which their personal interest could conflict with the interest of the Company. This is an area in which it is impossible to provide comprehensive guidance but the guiding principle is that any conflict or potential conflict must be disclosed to higher management for guidance and appropriate action.
All directors, senior management and employees shall ensure that their actions in the conduct of business are totally transparent except where the needs of business security dictate otherwise. Such transparency shall be brought about through appropriate policies, systems and processes, including as appropriate, segregation of duties, tiered approval mechanism and involvement of more than one manager in key decisions and maintaining supporting records. All managers shall voluntarily ensure that their areas of operation are open to audit and the conduct of their activities is totally auditable.
No director, senior management and employee shall disclose or use any confidential information gained in the course of employment / association with the Company for personal profit or for the advantage of any other person. No employee shall provide any information either formally or informally to the press or to any other publicity media unless specifically authorised to do so.
No director, senior management and employee shall misuse Company facilities. In the use of Company facilities, employee shall exercise care to ensure that costs are reasonable and there is no wastage.
The organisation's directors and senior management set the professional tone for the Company. Through both their words and their actions, the organisation's leadership conveys what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. GHL's directors, senior management and employees must constantly reinforce through their actions and behavior that GHL's stated beliefs of responsible corporate citizenship are rooted in individual conviction and personal integrity.
Any waiver of any provision of this Code of Conduct for a director, senior management or employee must be placed for approval before the Company's Board of Directors / Corporate Management Committee, as appropriate.
Any instance of non-adherence to the Code of Conduct / any other observed unethical behavior on the part of those covered under this Code should be brought to the attention of the immediate reporting authority, who shall in turn report the same to the Head of Corporate Human Resources.
The duties of Independent Directors of the Company, as laid down under Schedule IV to the Companies Act, 2013, are incorporated herein pursuant to Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. It shall be the duty of Independent Directors to: