Anti-Corruption and Third-Party Management

For over 150 years, the Company has been committed to and continues its commitment to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and accountability. The Company has zero tolerance for bribery, corruption, or any form of unethical influence. Engaging in bribery or corrupt practices undermines trust, damages reputations, and compromises the fairness of business operations. 

The Company is committed to complying with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and regulations and expects the same from Covered Parties, including third parties with whom you conduct business. You uphold your ethical obligations by refraining from directly or indirectly promising, offering, making, or authorizing a payment or giving anything of value intended to influence an act or decision, obtain or retain business, or secure an improper business advantages as well as refraining from making payments to expedite the performance of a routine administrative or government action, except with prior approval from our Chief Legal Officer or when an associate’s safety is at stake. 

Through robust policies, training, and oversight, the Company actively works to prevent, detect, and address any risks of corruption, ensuring that its business is conducted transparently and responsibly. 

In addition, the Company recognizes that the partners, suppliers, distributors, and other third parties it engages with are an extension of its values and reputation. 

To uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, the Company performs thorough due diligence before entering relationships with third parties. This includes assessing legal, financial, operational, and reputational risks as well as alignment with its policies on human rights, anti-corruption, and sustainability. By knowing who the Company does business with, the Company protects its teams and customers, reinforces trust, and ensures that the Company’s operations reflect its commitment to ethical business practices.

Think about it.

What is “anything of value?” Cash, hospitality (travel, meals, entertainment), Kohler Co. products, donations or sponsorships, excess commissions, internships or jobs, rebates, gifts, or anything else that could be of value to another person.