Business Etiquette – AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty
chemicals.
Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, AkzoNobel (AN) has approximately 45,000 people
in around 80 countries, while the portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens,
International, Interpon and Eka.
AN is present in a variaty of elements in day to day life.

AN brings color to walls, helps protect the buildings, is present in your mobile devices, cars and
roads that move us around and is an essential part of the healthy products.

Business principles
AkzoNobel’s business principles are based on well established values.
They are:
• Customer focused
• Deliver on commitments
• Passion for excellence
• Winning together

Wherever AN operates, it aims for the highest standards of performance and behavior in everything
it does.

Responsibilities
AN is committed to creating long-term value for customers, shareholders, employees and society. It
needs to make sustainable profits. The success of its customers is the main focus of the business.
Providing high quality products, that meet high health, safety and environmental standards and
services at a good price is the way AN serves customers.
It’s employees work in an attractive workplace, safe and with health conditions. AN doesn’t tolerate
harassment or the exploitation of children.
Social responsibility and sustainable development is a commitment that AN respects. Also AN
respects the laws of the countries in which it operates, support fundamental human rights and has
demanding health, safety and environmental standards.

Free creativity
AN supports free creativity and fair competition. Having this in focus, AN aims to meet customers
needs faster, better and more distinctively than it’s competitors.
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Business integrity
AN insists on integrity and fairness in business dealings:
• No bribery or unethical practices
• No conflicts of interest
• Recording all business transactions and submitting them for audit

Community activities
AN encourages employees to get involved in community activities, as long as it doesn’t lead to a
conflict of interest. No payments to political parties, their institutions, agencies or representatives
are permited in any subsidiary of AN.

Communication
Unless absolute confidentiality is required, AN is committed to communicating in an open, factual
and timely way. In dealing with the state law representative, the communication needs to be open.

Listening Skills
Communication is the lifeblood of business and AN employees need to get along, work in unison
and establish professional relationships with one another. They must have listening skills very well
integrated in day to day work. English is the main language to communicate in the work, unless the
local language is required.

Meetings
Employees of AN must show up on time, or, preferably, a few minutes early to all meetings and
with proper tools.

Attire
The dress code that is implemented in AN is based on professionalism. All employees need to have
a clean image. Elementary smart casual outfits is a must and for each level of job more requirement
are put in place.

Politeness
AN wants employees to have a polite aproach and with respect in all bussines comunication.

Handshake
AN encourages, but not inforce, hand shakes with business counterpart. This is a good way to
establishe proper suitable. For international interactions, AN recommands to employees to research
how that culture greets one another professionally in business, as not all countries see shaking hands
as a form of respect.

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Diplomacy
Ravenwerks, an organization for global ethics, etiquette and effectiveness, recommends to always
be diplomatic when engaged in a business conversation, even if you disagree with what others are
saying. Apologize if you step on other peoples’ toes, but do not be afraid to hold true to your
beliefs.

Tone
All must show respect and a raised voice to others in the work environment, or foul language
towards them, are forbidden . Keeping the tone as neutral as possible, and avoid “talking down” to
your counterpart.

Following Up
Following up correspondence is a second nature for all AN employees. After working with a client,
customer or coworker it is motivating and establish a proper connection. Employees are encouraged
to send a thank-you email or note, recognizing all business or efforts in the business process.

AN is dedicated to creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.
Beeing all around us, even when you least expect it. AN brings the essential ingredient in
everything from mobile phones and pharmaceuticals to ice cream and detergents.
Inspiring the world with color and protecting the things that matter most are deeply embeded in AN
business.

“AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring.
Essential ingredients. Essential protection. Essential color.“

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq-lbQg7So4