HSG Ethics Code

• As students, we are aware of both the rights and the duties arising from our socially privileged position. We endeavour to critically reflect on the consequences of our actions.
• As faculty members, we ensure that our students, assistants and junior researchers are carefully supervised and promoted.
• As administrators, we take the University’s duties as an employer seriously. Specifically, we give fair and honest assessments of our employees and communicate in a timely manner.
• We are able to account for the actions that we take in our professional capacity at all times.

Rules and regulations (in German):
Richtlinien zur Integrität wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens
Universitätsgesetz (in particular Chapter VI Disziplinarrecht)

• We act with integrity in the workplace, whether as students, teaching staff, researchers or otherwise.
• We know the legal regulations and relevant guidelines which apply to our activities and functions, and we adhere to them.
• We do not abuse our privileged position for personal gain.
• We withstand unreasonable attempts to influence us.
• We either avoid or disclose conflicts of interest.
• We do not consider intimate relationships between faculty members and students to be compatible with teaching, supervision or mentoring.
• We do not give preferential treatment to anyone. When filling positions, when awarding contracts, scholarships and grants, and when reviewing examination papers, we base our decisions on objective and comprehensible criteria.

Rules and regulations (in German):
Kantonales Datenschutzgesetz
Verordnung über die Höhe, Ausrichtung und Ablieferung von Vergütungen im Zusammenhang mit der Einsitznahme in Organe von Organisationen mit kantonaler Beteiligung (Vergütungsverordnung). In particular "Kapitel II Höhe und Ausrichtung von Vergütungen für Mitglieder oberster Leitungsorgane selbständiger öffentlich-rechtlicher Anstalten".
Auslagen- und Spesenreglement
Richtlinien zur Integrität wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens

• We perform our duties and responsibilities competently and on time. Beyond our professional expertise, we treat others with dignity and respect.
• We do what we say we will do. At all levels, we are prepared to acquire the skills and competencies needed to perform our duties and responsibilities. If we lack the required skills and competencies, we say so and abstain.
• We document the methods, data, work processes and results of our research truthfully and completely. We clearly distinguish our achievements from those of others and correctly identify all our sources.
• We aim to educate qualified persons in all domains, to integrate them into our community, to arouse their enthusiasm and to advance their careers.
• We deal with conflicts in a fair, objective and solution-oriented manner.

Rules and regulations (in German):
Reglement über die Schlichtungsverfahren an der Universität St.Gallen
Richtlinien zur Integrität wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens
Ausführungsbestimmungen zum Studium (in particular Art. 55-57, Art. 61)

• We practise an inclusive, integrative culture of cooperation across formal hierarchical levels. We treat each other as equals.
• Both within and beyond the University, we approach others with courtesy and respect. We strive to use inclusive language.
• We regard each other with equal dignity and respect — regardless of age, status, gender, origin, orientation and identity, and regardless of health needs or impairments.
• We do not tolerate arbitrariness or disparagement, nor discrimination and bullying, nor sexist or racist language, nor threatening or violent behaviour. Whenever we witness or become aware of such behaviour, we do not look away, but take decisive action — even if we are not affected ourselves.

Rules and regulations (in German):
HSG Leitbild (Ziffern 2, 3 und 4)
Reglement über die Schlichtungsverfahren an der Universität St.Gallen
Richtlinien über die externe Meldestelle für Missstände

• For us, sustainability means considering the long-term consequences of our activities, and being accountable to future generations.
• Sustainability begins on a small scale and in everyday life. We are committed to treating social, economic and natural resources with care and respect.
• Our degree courses and executive education are not designed to deliver short-term learning success, but rather to ensure sustainable learning processes by embracing a holistic cognitive approach.

Rules and regulations (in German):
Benutzungsordnung der Universität St.Gallen
Auslagen- und Spesenreglement
Reglement betreffend Bildung und Verwendung von Institutsvermögen

• We inform others about what we are doing. As holders of executive positions, we provide timely, clear and comprehensive information.
• Wherever permissible, we decide and act openly and transparently. We consider to be public whatever is not confidential or secret.
• We respect official secrets and observe the statutory guidelines applying to personal privacy, data protection and copyright. We do not pass on confidential information to unauthorised third parties, neither within nor beyond the University. We protect the data which we process ourselves or have processed by others.

Rules and regulations (in German):
Kantonales Datenschutzgesetz
Reglement zur Open Access Policy
Richtlinien für Nebenbeschäftigungen von Dozierenden
Informations- und Offenlegungsrichtlinien
Auslagen- und Spesenreglement

If I remain unsure, I consult personal acquaintances, colleagues, superiors or in-house experts, or even, if needed, specific ethics or expert committees at the University. If I am uncertain about who might be able to help me, I seek information and advice from the advisory services at the HSG.

If I am unable to raise my concerns with someone at the University, or if my attempt to do so proves unsuccessful, I can report misconduct or reasons for suspicions. Anything brought to the attention of the University’s counselling centre will be treated as strictly confidential. With immediate effect, University members may also contact the Whistleblowing Office. The Office is completely independent of the University.