Convergys gets advanced rating for ethical business practices

MANILA, Philippines - True to one of its corporate values, “We value, above all, integrity in everything we do,” Convergys, the country’s largest private employer, earned an “Advanced” rating for its ethical business practices.

It is the only BPO and one of five companies in the Philippines with this rating from the Integrity Validation System (IVS) of the Integrity Initiative, a nationwide, private-sector led movement.

To share best practices in line with this, Convergys was among the featured companies at the recent 2013 Integrity Summit.

The IVS begins with a voluntary self-assessment taken by companies that are signatories to the Integrity Pledge, a commitment to conduct all business transactions and processes with integrity and transparency. 

The self-assessment is followed by an independent validation by the Integrity Initiative. Companies that have “Advanced” rating from this process are considered to have maintained extensive and effective practices in their organizations and are demonstrating best practices in six focus areas: Top Management, Dealing with Employees, Dealing with Clients, Dealing with Business Partners, Dealing with Finances, and Dealing with Government, Communities, Environment and other Key Stakeholders.

Now on its third year, the Integrity Initiative has influenced more than 1,800 companies and organizations across the country to sign the Integrity Pledge.

As part of its phased approach and after rolling out other related programs, the movement launched the IVS this year to help companies assess their existing integrity policies, procedures and practices.

“Convergys’ Global Operating Model ensures the same level of integrity and transparency in our business units across all the countries where we operate, in all transactions and operations, as well as in measuring performance and developing the careers of our people,” said Ivic Mueco, Convergys’ country manager for the Philippines.

“Over and above that, our company’s leaders straightforwardly and consistently set the tone of integrity, transparency and meritocracy — this makes a big difference,” Mueco added. “As we are in the customer service industry, our employees regularly deal with confidential customer information and integrity is of paramount importance. Our employees are the first line of defense against the threat of fraud,” said Convergys senior director for finance Aldrin Dulig, who spoke of best practices during the summit.

Convergys’ best practices on integrity include annual refresher courses that all employees are required to take, accompanied by validation exams to ensure their knowledge and understanding of the company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as well as privacy and security policies. 

The company has also established a Corporate Ethics and Security hotline, allowing employees to report any suspicious activity.  

Vendors and suppliers also undergo accreditation and proper documentation.   They are considered based on the merits of their products and services, and gift-giving is not allowed.

Convergys has also enjoined over 100 of its suppliers to commit and sign the Integrity Pledge, making it the number one contributor to the movement.

Convergys, the global leader in customer management, is now on its 10th year of operations in the Philippines, and has more than 37,000 employees in the country. It recently opened its 22nd operating site in Davao.

Convergys has won BPO Employer of the Year thrice and BPO Company of the Year twice in the International ICT Awards. It is also in the PEZA Hall of Fame for winning Outstanding Employer and Outstanding Exporter three times in a row in both categories.