1. Ford Motor Company’s Digital Participation Guidelines
We have advised our personnel to observe these guidelines when participating in an online conversation regarding
Ford or the automotive industry. These are a summary of our ethical policies. Ford personnel should refer to the
more detailed information available within the Company.
Be honest about Guidelines The Internet remembers
who you are Search engines and other technologies
If the conversation relates to our business In brief, our guidelines for engaging make it virtually impossible to take
or our industry, you should identify yourself something back. Be sure you mean what
on the social Web consist of the
as working for Ford Motor Company in you say, and say what you mean.
following core principles:
the content of your post/comment/other
1.
content. Not only is this the ethical thing An official response
to do, but in some countries, like the Honesty about
who you are may be needed
U.S., there may be personal liability under
Federal Trade Commission regulations if If you spot a potential issue and believe
2.
you don’t. Best practice is always to be Clarity that your an official Company response is needed,
honest about who you are without giving opinions are your own bring it to the attention of a member of
out detailed personal information. the Communications team or the Legal
3. espect and humility
office before it reaches a crisis situation.
R Potential issues can often be resolved
Make it clear that in all communication more effectively and efficiently if they are
the views expressed identified quickly.
are yours 4. ood judgment in
G
sharing only public
Include the following notice somewhere in Respect the privacy of
every social media profile you maintain: “I information – including
offline conversations
work at Ford, but this is my own opinion financial data
and is not the opinion of Ford Motor Protect your co-workers and our partners
by refraining from sharing their personal
Company.”
5. say is permanent
Awareness that what
you
information or any conversations or
statements unless you have their written
You speak for yourself, permission to do so. Bringing someone
but your actions reflect else into an online conversation without
those of Ford Motor their permission can be destructive to a
Company Mind your manners relationship, cause misunderstandings or
Unless you have been authorized by violate laws, commercial contracts and/or
Treat past and present co-workers, other
Communications, you cannot speak on confidentiality agreements.
personnel, suppliers, consumers, partners,
behalf of Ford Motor Company. Do not competitors, Ford Motor Company, and
portray yourself as a spokesperson, even yourself with respect. Avoid posting Same rules and laws
an “unofficial” spokesperson, on issues materials or comments that may be seen apply: New medium,
relating to Ford Motor Company. Realize as offensive, demeaning, inappropriate, no surprise
that people may likely form an opinion threatening, or abusive. Acknowledge Due to the nature of the digital medium,
about the Company based on the behavior differences of opinion. Respectfully extra diligence is required in respecting
of its personnel. withdraw from discussions that go off topic intellectual property (such as copyright and
or become profane. trademark), financial disclosure laws, false
Use your common advertising and the like. Also, refer people
sense The Internet is a with vehicle or repair concerns to the
It’s good business practice for companies public space dealer or customer relations (Contact Ford
(and individuals) to keep certain topics Consider everything you post to the at http://www.ford.com/owner-services/
confidential. Respect confidentiality. Internet the same as anything you would customer-support/contact-ford). If anyone
Refrain from speculation on the future post to a physical bulletin board or has a new idea for the Company, refer them
of the Company and its products. Keep submit to a newspaper. Many eyes may to “Your Ideas” on The Ford Story.
topics focused to matters of public record fall upon your words, including those of
when speaking about the Company or reporters, consumers, your manager and When in doubt, ask
the automotive industry. Do not disclose the competition. Assume that all of these If you have any questions about what is
non-public Company information or the people will be reading every post, no matter appropriate, play it smart and check with
personal information of others. how obscure or secure the site to which a member of the Communications team or
you are posting may seem. the Legal office before posting.
08/2010 These guidelines are meant to provide a simple and clear guide to online communications for Ford
Motor Company personnel. For a more detailed look at the guidelines and potential implications
for failing to follow them, please visit our internal resources on HR Online or FordLaw.