CiA code of ethics and conduct

Since it was founded, CiA has been associated with fairness, integrity, and impartiality. CiA is a place, where CAN-related challenges are addressed through international collaboration. Its transparent and consensus-based processes to develop specifications and other deliverables, relying on the contributions of relevant experts and the participation of concerned stakeholders, provide realistic and state-of-the-art solutions for CAN-based technology and innovation.

CiA specifications and other deliverables benefit the CAN community over and above the interests of any individual or organization. This is why CiA’s work is carried out in an international, multi-stakeholder, multi-sector environment, and it is imperative that its activities are conducted in an ethical manner that warrants the confidence of all parties involved in the CiA document development and the organization of joint marketing opportunities. Therefore, persons acting for or on behalf of CiA are accountable to the organization and must act in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and adhere to a set of values, principles, and policies, which may go beyond legal requirements. The principles contained herein set out non-negotiable minimum standards of behavior. The CiA code of ethics and conduct is not meant to be exhaustive and cover all situations that can occur: it provides a framework and a foundation for expected conduct.

The CiA code of ethics and conduct sets out principles for the conduct of persons acting for or on behalf of CiA, i.e. individuals representing CiA members, CiA committees, and CiA groups including their members, the CiA community, including liaison organizations, and the CiA office.

As individuals engaged in activities within the CiA organization, we adhere to the following principles.

1. Comply with legal and statutory obligations

   We respect applicable laws and regulations and we avoid collusive or anticompetitive behavior. Within the CiA organization, we recognize the statutes as the highest governing document. They are implemented by means of the CiA bylaws and complemented by additional policy documents. CiA’s technical work is conducted in conformity with the CiA bylaws.

2. Perform and act in good faith, consistent with the purpose, policies, and principles of CiA

   Working for the benefit of the CAN community, we represent our constituencies and stakeholders, consulting them when applicable, while at all times acting in the best interests of CiA. In so doing, we act fairly, impartially, in good faith, and do not allow personal or professional interests or relationships to influence our ability to act. We uphold the key principles of CiA, namely consensus, transparency, openness, impartiality, effectiveness, relevance, coherence, and the development dimension. We abide by the policies of CiA and embrace the concepts of compromise and consensus building, and notably in the development of CiA specifications and other deliverables, and we accept and respect consensus decisions. We refrain from disseminating false or misleading information or from withholding information necessary to a full, fair, and complete consideration of the issues at stake. Nevertheless, CiA documents do not supersede the authority of international, regional, and national laws, and regulations.

3. Behave ethically

   We act with honesty, integrity, respect, openness, and transparency in all our dealings. We respect others and the diversity of professional opinions – scientific, technical, or otherwise. Harassment or coercion in any form, such as sexual, moral, or financial, is not tolerated.

4. Promote and enable all voices to be heard

   As a nonprofit organization, we act to ensure that participation in CiA activities is properly representative of the global CAN community and that any barriers to full and equal participation are acknowledged and continuously and actively addressed. As the CAN community, we uphold diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on gender, age, and level of economic development, and enable all people to contribute to the CiA’s decision making and all CiA specifications and other deliverables.

5. Engage constructively in CiA activities

   We exercise our powers with attentiveness, care, diligence, and skill. We understand and actively contribute to CiA within the mandate of our respective roles. We take care to act on a fully informed basis and take decisions with due diligence.

6. Declare actual and potential conflicts of interest and manage them appropriately

   We endeavor to avoid any real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest by communicating in a fair, transparent, and timely manner to interested parties. If any actual or potential conflicts of interest are identified, they shall immediately be disclosed and addressed through the appropriate mechanisms.

7. Protect confidential information

   We protect the integrity of discussions and debates and do not disclose information, which is confidential by its very nature. We ensure that any confidential documents or data in our possession are properly safeguarded. We comply with CiA’s dedicated data protection policies.

8. Protect CiA assets

   We act in a financially responsible manner, exercising care in relation to CiA’s assets, and actively protect and defend CiA’s intellectual property, including copyright, and trademarks.

9. Avoid and prevent any form of bribery or corruption

   We shall not, directly or through intermediaries, offer or promise any personal or improper financial or other advantage in order to obtain or retain an advantage from a third party; nor shall we accept any such advantage in return for any preferential treatment.

10. Escalate and resolve disputes and uphold agreed resolution

    We identify and escalate disputes in a timely manner, according to agreed processes and resolution mechanisms, and we respect and uphold the outcomes of such processes.

The CiA code of ethics and conduct is approved and under the responsibility of the CiA Board of Directors.