WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network) Code of Conduct

Version 1.0

Effective retrospectively from Jan 14, 2018

 

Our Promise

We are intent to cultivate a united, open and welcoming environment. We do this, as community members, contributors, Committees, WPC members, and Project Leads (collectively “Contributors”) by pledging to make participation on our platforms, in our projects and our community a harassment-free and inclusive experience for everyone. We promise that this is a safe space that respects inclusivity and diversity.
This Community Code of Conduct (“Code”) outlines our behavioural expectations as members of our community in all WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group) activities, both offline and online.
It is not intended to govern scenarios or behaviours outside of the scope of WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group) activities. Nor is it intended to replace or supersede the protections offered to all our community members under the law. Please follow both the essence and letter of this Code and encourage all other Contributors to follow these principles into our work. Failure to read or acknowledge this Code does not excuse a Contributor from compliance with the Code. Neither is it a justification for unacceptable behaviour.
The Code is dynamic and it is expected that members refer to the website www.wiengroup.com for the latest version or updates.

 

Our Principles

The provision for acceptable and unacceptable behaviours are often very wide, and could be open to much interpretation. However, as a guide, examples of acceptable behaviour that contribute to creating a positive and professional environment include:

  • Using welcoming and inclusive language;
  • Actively encouraging participation;
  • Helping others bring their perspectives and listening actively;
  • Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences;
  • Gracefully accepting constructive criticism;
  • Focusing on what is best for the community;
  • Showing empathy towards other community members;
  • Being clear, direct but professional; and
  • Leading by example by holding yourself and others accountable

Examples of unacceptable behaviour by Contributors include:

  • Speaking about or making references about the WIEN Community in a derogatory, negative, insulting or as related manner
  • The use of sexualized language or imagery and Unwelcome sexual attention or advances;
  • Trolling, insulting/derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks;
  • Public or private harassment, repeated harassment;
  • Publishing others’ private information, such as a physical or electronic address, without explicit permission;
  • Violent threats or language directed against another person;
  • Sexist, racist, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language;
  • Posting sexually explicit or violent material;
  • Sharing private content, such as emails sent privately or non-publicly, or unlogged forums
  • Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms;
  • Excessive or unnecessary profanity;
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour; and
  • Using another ID / Wien Premier Club ID online or offline in any capacity
  • Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting.

 

Our Responsibilities

With the support of the WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group) employees, consultants, officers, and directors (collectively, the “Staff”), Committees, and Project Leads, the WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group) Moderators (the “Conduct Committee”) is responsible for clarifying the standards of acceptable behaviour.
The Conduct Committee takes appropriate and fair corrective action in response to any instances of unacceptable behaviour.

 

Application

This Code applies within all Project, Working Group, and Interest Group spaces and communication channels of the WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group) (collectively, “WiEN spaces”), within any WiEN organized event (eg bazaar, pop ups) or meeting, and in public spaces when an individual is representing an WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group) Project, Working Group, Interest Group, or their communities. Examples of representing a Project or community include posting via an official social media account, personal accounts, or acting as an appointed representative at an online or offline event. Representation of Projects, Working Groups, and Interest Groups may be further defined and clarified by Committers, Project Leads, or the Staff.

 

Implementation of the Code

Instances of abusive, harassing, or otherwise unacceptable behaviour may be reported by contacting the Conduct Committee via info@wiengroup.com. Please provide necessary evidences in the email for due investigation.
All complaints will be reviewed and investigated and will result in a response that is deemed necessary and appropriate to the circumstances. Without the explicit consent of the reporter, the Conduct Committee is obligated to maintain confidentiality with regard to the reporter of an incident.
The Conduct Committee is further obligated to ensure that the respondent is provided with sufficient information about the complaint to reply. If such details cannot be provided while maintaining confidentiality, the Conduct Committee will take the respondent ‘s inability to provide a defence into account in its deliberations and decisions. Further details of enforcement guidelines may be posted separately.
Staff, Committers and Project Leads have the right to report, remove, edit, or reject comments, commits, code, wiki edits, issues, and other contributions that are not aligned to this Code, or to block temporarily or permanently any Contributor for other behaviours that they deem inappropriate, threatening, offensive, or harmful. Any such actions will be reported to the Conduct Committee for transparency and record keeping.
Any Staff (including officers and directors of the WiEN), Committers, Project Leads, or Conduct Committee members who are the subject of a complaint to the Conduct Committee will be recused from the process of resolving any such complaint.

 

Responsibility for Administering

The responsibility for administering this Code rests with the Conduct Committee, with oversight by the Board of Directors. For additional information on the Conduct Committee and its process, please write to info@wiengroup.com.

 

Investigation of Potential Code Violations

All conflict is not necessarily bad, as a healthy debate may sometimes be necessary to realise potential. It is, however, unacceptable to be disrespectful or offensive, or violate this Code. If you see someone engaging in objectionable behaviour violating this Code, we encourage you to address the behaviour directly with those involved. If for some reason, you are unable to resolve the matter or feel uncomfortable doing so, or if the behaviour is threatening or harassing, please report it following the procedure laid out below.
Reports should be directed to info@wiengroup.com. It is the Conduct Committee’s role to receive and address reported violations of this Code and to ensure a fair and speedy resolution.
WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group) takes all reports of potential Code violations seriously and is committed to confidentiality and a full investigation of all allegations. The identity of the reporter will be omitted from the details of the report supplied to the accused. Contributors who are being investigated for a potential Code violation will have an opportunity to be heard prior to any final determination. Those found to have violated the Code can seek reconsideration of the violation and disciplinary action decisions. Every effort will be made to have all matters disposed of within 60 days of the receipt of the complaint.

 

Actions that can be taken

Contributors who do not follow this Code in good faith may face temporary or permanent repercussions including removal and block from the WIEN FB Group and participation within any or all related events, as determined by the Moderator Committee.
It’s impossible to spell out every possible scenario that might be deemed a violation of this Code. Instead, we rely on one another’s discretion and good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity within all of WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group). Sometimes, identifying the right thing to do isn’t an easy call. In such a scenario, raise the issue as early as possible.

 

The Promise of No Retaliation

The WiEN community relies upon and values the help of Contributors who identify potential problems that may need to be addressed within an WiEN (Winner’s Innovative Entrepreneurial Network Group). Any retaliation against a Contributor who raises an issue honestly is a violation of this Code. That a Contributor has raised a concern honestly or participated in an investigation, cannot be the basis for any adverse action, including threats, harassment, or discrimination. If you work with someone who has raised a concern or provided information in an investigation, you should continue to treat the person with courtesy and respect. If you believe someone has retaliated against you, report the matter as described by this Code. Honest reporting does not mean that you have to be right when you raise a concern; you just have to believe that the information you are providing is accurate. 
False reporting, especially when intended to retaliate or exclude, is itself a violation of this Code and will not be accepted or tolerated.
Everyone is encouraged to ask questions about this Code. Your feedback is welcome, and you will get a response within five business days. Please write to info@wiengroup.com.