Ethics Matters Self Test

Workplace violence or the threat of violence is unacceptable. Violent behavior or threats should be reported. Any associate who engages in violence or threats of violence will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment, recovery of damages in appropriate cases as well as criminal prosecution.

PINNACLE associates must prepare and maintain all business records and accounts in a current, complete and accurate manner. Proper record-keeping and accounting practices are critical to PINNACLE’s operations, particularly in soliciting, awarding, and monitoring procurement contracts with vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors of goods or services to PINNACLE or the communities that it manages.

PINNACLE’s contract files must fully and accurately reflect all of the organization’s receipts and expeditures. These records, and any report generated from them, must be prepared in compliance with applicable accounting standards. Undisclosed or unrecorded funds, assets, or disbursements are strictly forbidden as are maintaining multiple sets of books or making false or misleading entries of any nature.

Associates are prohibited from engaging in any activity or scheme involving improper payments or unauthorized use of property or services.

All associates, officers and agents must obey laws barring fraud, waste and abuse. These laws forbid direct, indirect or disguised payments in exchange for preferences, favorable treatment or other benefits; submission of false, fraudulent or misleading claims to any government entity or third party payer, including claims for services not rendered; claims which mischaracterize the services actually rendered; claims which do not otherwise comply with applicable program or contractual requirements; and making false representations to any person or entity for any purpose.

PINNACLE is committed to ensuring the quality of all services it provides to its residents and compliance with all pertinent governmental and contract requirements, and PINNACLE’s Code of Conduct and Compliance Culture

While Cindy is not directly involved in the act of theft, her inaction could be considered a form of complicity or enabling the behavior. Depending on the company's policies and the severity of the theft, she could face disciplinary action or even legal consequences. However, the level of her culpability would likely be less than that of the person directly committing the theft.

A conflict of interest may arise when an associate or an associate’s family member has a financial, personal, or other outside interest that is, or could appear to be, adverse to the business
interests of PINNACLE. A conflict of interest may impair an associate’s ability to perform his or her job effectively or make decisions that benefit PINNACLE. Typical examples could include: outside employment with a competitor, customer, supplier or vendor of PINNACLE; accepting gifts, entertainment, travel, benefits, services, business courtesies from a competitor, customer, supplier, or vendor.

Each and every PINNACLE associate should feel free to report any suspected violation of law or the Code without fear of his or her employment being adversely affected.

PINNACLE is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy environment for all associates. Therefore, all associates must follow safe working procedures at all times and actively work to prevent accidents. If a PINNACLE associate becomes aware of any threat to the safety of a team member, customer, supplier, contractor, consultant or other business partner or site, he or she must report it immediately.

Pinnacle associates must be honest in all dealings with agents, providers, customers, members, vendors, third parties and each other.

Because of the importance we place on ethics in all that we do, associates may be subject to discipline for failing to participate in PINNACLE's Code of Conduct and Compliance Culture. Failures to participate include by are not limited to failures to report suspected violations of the Code, procedures, policies, or any applicable laws and regulations to appropriate person. Failure by an associate in a supervisory or managerial position to take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the terms of all PINNACLE's policies, procedures, standards and any applicable laws and regulations can result in discipline in accordance with PINNACLE policy and procedure.

Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that holds that the best action is the one that maximizes utility. "Utility" is defined as the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions, rather than on inherent rightness or wrongness. It evaluates actions based on their potential to produce happiness and well-being for the majority.

Associates are prohibited from the unauthorized use or taking of PINNACLE equipment, supplies, materials or services.

Associates may not use “insider” information for any business activity conducted by or on behalf of PINNACLE. All business relations with vendors, suppliers, contractors, government entities or other parties must be conducted at arm’s length both in fact and in appearance, and in compliance with PINNACLE’s policies and procedures. Associates must disclose to their supervisor any personal relationships or business activities with such parties

When you do not feel comfortable going to your supervisor with an issue, the first thing you should do is look at the Concern Resolution Process. This process is designed to provide guidance on how to address and resolve concerns within the organization. It may outline steps such as discussing the issue with a higher-level manager, contacting HR, or utilizing an anonymous reporting system. By familiarizing yourself with this process, you can determine the appropriate course of action to address your concern effectively and confidentially.