In February 2012, AUDI AG joined the United Nations Global Compact as an independent company. The company has signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the principles of the International Labour Organization and of the OECD, the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and the UN Convention against Corruption. The company, as a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, suspended its membership in the UN Global Compact effective November 12, 2015, in light of the diesel crisis. Irrespective of the suspension of its membership, Audi AG emphasizes its commitment to the principles of the UN Global Compact.
At Audi, the Volkswagen Group Essentials, the Audi leadership principles and the Audi corporate values of appreciation, openness, responsibility and integrity all constitute the fundamental values and foundation of our corporate culture. The guiding behavioral principles for the Audi Group’s employees are described in the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct supports employees in their daily duties in the company. It provides guidance, advice and support on correct behavior at the workplace, as a business partner and as a member of the company. The Code of Conduct is binding for every employee, regardless of his or her position in the hierarchy.
The Code of Conduct provides clear rules on correct conduct in a transparent and easily understood form and is constantly made accessible to all employees. The emphasis is on dialogue and exchange. Practical examples illustrate the individual subject areas and help employees apply the rules.