African Oral History Project
Professional Ethics
Anti-bribery Laws
- Vary by country.
- FCAP – US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: Prohibit payments or favors, made directly or indirectly (through agents/consultants), to government officials in their official capacities, in order to gain some advantage or benefit.
- Impose criminal penalties, including significant fines and jail time.
Audio Transcript
As a participant in the African Oral History Project it’s important we are held to the highest ethical standards.
Bribery is unethical and is a violation of both civil and moral laws.
- Such anti-corruption laws vary by country.
- A number of countries have either strengthened previous laws or enacted new ones around the world in the last decade. The most notable among them are the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or FCPA in the United States and the UK Bribery Act of 2010 in the United Kingdom.
- FCAP – US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits payments or favors, made directly or indirectly (through agents/consultants), to government officials in their official capacities, in order to gain some advantage or benefit.
- Prosecutors of violations impose criminal penalties, including significant fines and jail time.
Please note that the lack of enforcement or compliance in a country does not justify non-compliance or violation of these laws.
DO NOT:
- Knowingly (directly or indirectly) Give anything of value to a government official . . . for the purpose of (i) influencing, inducing or otherwise affecting an official act, decision or omission of an act or decision, (ii) securing an improper advantage, or (iii) assisting in obtaining or retaining business for any person or entity.
Audio Transcript
Bribery is defined as "Giving someone a financial or other advantage to encourage that person to perform their functions or activities improperly or to reward that person for having already done so” (FCAP).
This means that it is illegal to:
- Knowingly (directly or indirectly)
- Give anything of value
- To a government official . . . for the purpose of (i) influencing, inducing or otherwise affecting an official act, decision or omission of an act or decision, (ii) securing an improper advantage, or (iii) assisting in obtaining or retaining business for any person or entity.
Anything of Value includes:
- Cash
- Loans
- Jobs for relatives
- School sponsorships for family members
- Contracts for work or services
- Surplus equipment or supplies
- Donations to a favorite charity of the official
- Personal gifts
Audio Transcript
Anything of Value includes:
- Cash
- Loans
- Jobs for relatives
- School sponsorships for family members
- Contracts for work or services
- Surplus equipment or supplies
- Donations to a favorite charity of the official
- Personal gifts
Government Official refers to: Any officer or employee of, or person acting officially for, a government or public international organization, including employees of state-owned companies.
Audio Transcript
When you hear the term Government Official that refers to: Any officer or employee of, or person acting officially for, a government (any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof), or public international organization, including employees of state-owned companies.
Penalties for violating this policy include:
- Termination of employment
- Loss of contract with FamilySearch
- Fines
- Prison
Audio Transcript
It’s important you understand the possible penalties for not following these policies. Penalties for violating this policy include:
- Termination of employment
- Loss of contract with FamilySearch for contracting organization
- Fines
- Prison
Case Study 1: Someone requests payment or favor as an exchange for your business. What would you do?
That is correct!
FamilySearch will not support or defend of an individual or organization that has engaged in bribery. Good job!
That is incorrect, try again.
FamilySearch will not support or defend of an individual or organization that has engaged in bribery.
Audio Transcript
We strive for relationships that are built with mutual respect.
Review the following case studies and respond as you would if you were involved.
Someone requests payment or favor as an exchange for your business. What would you do?
Case Study 2: “If I agree to allow this work, will you also employ my uncle or sister who needs some work?”
Correct!
You cannot agree to hire someone as a condition to do the work. This is not an acceptable business practice and if discovered could result in termination of employment for employee, fines, and prison. The organization can lose the contract with FamilySearch for contracting organization as well.
Incorrect.
No, you cannot agree to hire someone as a condition to do the work. This is not an acceptable business practice and if discovered could result in termination of employment for employee, fines, and prison. The organization can lose the contract with FamilySearch for contracting organization as well.
Audio Transcript
Someone places this condition on allowing you to do the work you’ve discussed with them on the Oral Project:
“If I agree to allow this work, will you also employ my uncle or sister who needs some work?”
How would you respond? Can you agree to hire someone to do the work?
Case Study 3: Can you help the person get through this leader’s spouse or family member through this difficult time, by paying medical expenses, so that you can start the oral history work?
Correct!
This is not an acceptable business practice and, if discovered, could result in termination of employment for employee, fines, and prison. The organization can lose the contract with FamilySearch as well.
Incorrect.
This is not an acceptable business practice and, if discovered, could result in termination of employment for employee, fines, and prison. The organization can lose the contract with FamilySearch as well.
Audio Transcript
You are seeking entry into a particular village or area. The chief or decision-maker who will grant or deny permission for the Oral Family History Project mentions a family member or spouse who needs medical attention before they can approve this work.
Can you help the person get through this leader’s spouse or family member through this difficult time, by paying medical expenses, so that you can start the oral history work?
You’ve completed the Professional Ethics module in the African Oral History Project training.
Audio Transcript
Remember to document your conversations and arrangements with those you meet. Safeguard against any attempts others make to have you compromise ethical standards to accomplish this vital family history work.
Congratulations! You’ve completed the Professional Ethics module in the African Oral History Project training.
You have completed this course.
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