Shell General Business Principles

Upholding the Shell reputation is paramount. We are judged by how we act. Our reputation will be upheld if we act with honesty and integrity in all our dealings. The principles contained here stem from the core values of honesty, integrity and respect for people. They affirm a belief in the fundamental importance of the promotion of trust, openness, teamwork and professionalism, and in pride in what we do.

Shell Oman Marketing Company SAOG recognises that maintaining the trust and confidence of shareholders, employees, customers and other people with whom we do business, as well as communities in which we work, is crucial to our continued growth and success.

It is the responsibility of all employees to behave in accordance with the spirit as well as the content of these principles.

Shell Oman employees share a set of core values - honesty, integrity and respect for people. We also firmly believe in the fundamental importance of trust, openness, teamwork and professionalism, and pride in what we do.

As part of the Business Principles, we commit to contribute to sustainable development. This requires balancing short and long term interests, integrating economic, environmental and social considerations into business decision-making.

Shell Oman recognise five areas of responsibility. It is the duty of management continuously to assess the priorities and discharge these inseparable responsibilities on the basis of that assessment.

a. To shareholders
To protect shareholders’ investment, and provide a long-term return competitive with those of other leading companies in the industry.

b. To customers
To win and maintain customers by developing and providing products and services which offer value in terms of price, quality, safety and environmental impact, which are supported by the requisite technological, environmental and commercial expertise.

c. To employees
To respect the human rights of our employees and to provide them with good and safe working conditions, and competitive terms and conditions of employment.

To promote the development and best use of the talents of our employees; to create an inclusive work environment where every employee has an equal opportunity to develop his or her skills and talents.

To encourage the involvement of employees in the planning and direction of their work; to provide them with channels to report concerns.

We recognise that commercial success depends on the full commitment of all employees.

d. To those with whom we do business
To seek mutually beneficial relationships with contractors, suppliers and in joint ventures and to promote the application of these Shell General Business Principles or equivalent principles in such relationships. The ability to promote these principles effectively will be an important factor in the decision to enter into or remain in such relationships.

e. To society
To conduct business as responsible corporate members of society, to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to support fundamental human rights in line with the legitimate role of business, and to give proper regard to health, safety, security and the environment.

Principle1
Economic
Long-term profitability is essential to achieving our business goals and to our continued growth. It is a measure both of efficiency and of the value that customers place on Shell Oman products and services. It supplies the necessary corporate resources for the continuing investment that is required to develop and produce future energy supplies to meet customer needs. Without profits and a strong financial foundation, it would not be possible to fulfill our responsibilities. Criteria for investment and divestment decisions include sustainable development consideration (economic, social and environmental) and an appraisal of the risks of the investment.

Principle 2
Competition
Shell Oman supports free enterprise. We seek to compete fairly and ethically and within the framework of applicable competition laws; we will not prevent others from competing freely with us.

Principle 3
Business Integrity
Shell Oman insists on honesty, integrity and fairness in all aspects of our business and expect the same in our relationships with all those with whom we do business. The direct or indirect offer, payment, soliciting or acceptance of bribes in any form is unacceptable. Facilitation payments are also bribes and should not be made.

Employees must avoid conflicts of interest between their private activities and their part in the conduct of company business. Employees must also declare to their employing company potential conflicts of interest. All business transactions on behalf of Shell Oman must be reflected accurately and fairly in the accounts of the company in accordance with established procedures and are subject to audit and disclosure.

Principle 4
Political Activities
a. Of companies
Shell Oman acts in a socially responsible manner within the laws of the Sultanate in pursuit of our legitimate commercial objectives.

Shell Oman does not make payments to political parties, organizations or their representatives. Shell Oman does not take part in party politics. However, when dealing with governments, Shell Oman has the right and the responsibility to make our position known on any matters which affect us, our employees, our customers, our shareholders or local communities in a manner which is in accordance with our values and the Business Principles.

b. Of employees
Where individuals wish to engage in activities in the community, including standing for election to public office, they will be given the opportunity to do so where this is appropriate in the light of local circumstances.

Principle 5
Health, Safety, Security
and the Environment
Shell Oman has a systematic approach to health, safety, security and environmental management in order to achieve continuous performance improvement.

To this end, Shell companies manage these matters as critical business activities, set standards and targets for improvement, and measure, appraise and report performance externally.

We continually look for ways to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, products and services.

Principle 6
Local Communities
Shell Oman aims to be a good neighbor by continuously improving the ways in which we contribute directly or indirectly to the general wellbeing of the communities within which we work.

We manage the social impacts of our business activities carefully and work with others to enhance the benefits to local communities, and to mitigate any negative impacts from our activities.

In addition, Shell Oman takes a constructive interest in societal matters, directly or indirectly related to our business.

Principle 7
Communication and
Engagement
Shell Oman recognizes that regular dialogue and engagement with our stakeholders is essential. We are committed to reporting of our performance by providing full relevant information to legitimately interested parties, subject to any overriding considerations of business confidentiality.

In our interactions with employees, business partners and local communities, we seek to listen and respond to them honestly and responsibly.

Principle 8
Compliance
We comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate.