By Oregon Small Business Association
The top executive at Nike Inc. has offered company employees use of a “Matter of Respect” hotline and an email address to report inappropriate conduct in the wake of misconduct complaints.
In an internal memo, CEO and Chairman Mark Parker said the company has received reports in recent weeks of “behavior occurring within our organization that do not reflect our core values of inclusivity, respect and empowerment,” according to a March 15th article in the Portland Business Journal.
The behavior “disturbs and saddens him,” Parker said, while describing employees who complained “strong and courageous.”
“We appreciate the courage it takes to reach out … Because we encourage employees to speak up and do the right thing, we prohibit retaliation against any employee who reports conduct that they think violates Nike’s code of conduct or the law,” Parker wrote.
He also decided to restructure Nike’s management team to “accelerate change” and allow for “closer management and a sharper focus on our culture.” One executive will leave, and two others will now report directly to Parker. He also said the company will invest more in its diversity and inclusion networks.
Callers to the hotline receive a recorded message that thanks callers for reaching out and emphasized the company’s policy that prevents retaliation against employees who report inappropriate behavior. They can request a confidential meeting by emailing [email protected] or calling either the Matter of Respect hotline or the company’s worldwide “Alertline.”
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