SEC/N Thoughts
Gary Alexander, President, SEC/N -- Semiconductor International, 2/1/2001
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The American Heritage Dictionary (August 1994 edition) defines ethics as "the standards governing the conduct of the members of a profession." It's seemingly straightforward, but the implication is that both parties recognize the same actions as being "standards."
For example, let's say that an international corporation has a policy against alcoholic beverages being allowed on company property. However, that same company's facility in France allows wine to be served in its cafeteria. This would be a perceived breach of ethics if you were an employee located in any other country besides France. In other words, a person's heritage and ethnic background will have an impact on one's perception of what is acceptable. And in a global market, such as used semiconductor equipment, this can result in all kinds of perceived breaches of ethics. Never before has this global challenge been greater than now, as the demand for used equipment explodes throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America.
The key to solving this problem is to document a "Code of Ethics" that reputable members of the semiconductor used-equipment profession worldwide recognize and commit to live by.
To be technically correct, such a "code" would need to include a comprehensive list of ethical standards for all possible circumstances, complete with documented variations for different countries and cultural beliefs. Realistically, what's required is a more workable and global concept of industry-defined guidelines, based on an internationally acceptable common ground and inclusive of the need for situational understanding.
SEC/N's "Code of Ethics" is such a document. Established and committed to by the leading companies in the semiconductor industry, it documents the standards governing the conduct of members of the semiconductor used-equipment profession. The ongoing challenge is for companies throughout the world to learn how to work together within its guidelines, for the good of everyone.
Contact Gary Alexander at galexander@secninc.com and visit SEC/N's Web site at www.secninc.com .
