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A clash of cultures: Implementing a SOX compliant whistle-blower policy in Europe

February 2009
Corporate GovernanceElectronics

Abstract

Based on Canon Europe’s experience of implementing a SOX-compliant whistle-blower policy, this paper looks at how US-style whistle-blower policies in Europe can clash with various national laws (mainly data protection) and more importantly cultural values. It also covers the way in which national data protection authorities around Europe have reacted, and touches on the way in which Canon Europe overcame these hurdles. The US company that treats Europe as a single territory with no understanding of the cultural and legal differences between Member States is making a mistake.

Author

Portrait image of Toby Hornett
Toby Hornett
L&D Manager, Canon Europe, UK

Toby Hornett trained and qualified at Clifford Chance, and moved in-house early in his career. Having worked as a Legal Director at Canon Europe, he then moved into Learning & Development at the same company. Now managing a team of trainers, he has an interest in Compliance and skills training. Outside work, Toby is a Visiting Fellow of Reading University where as a qualified coach, he assists with advice on legal careers.

Company

Canon Europe logo

Canon Europe

http://www.canon-europe.com/

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