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SOUTH AFRICAN INNOVATION NETWORK (SAINe) CODE OF ETHICS

PURPOSE

The South African Innovation Network known as SAINe to intend to build a community of innovation practitioners to:

Focus on the development of a South African National System of Innovation for economic and social benefit with positive influences spilling over to neighbouring countries.

Create a manifesto that will encapsulate the concerns, recommendations and commitment of SAINe leaders of Innovation to be used as an instrument to lobby support and understanding of the importance of dedicated activities to grow a culture of innovation in South Africa.

South African Innovation Network (SAINe) – New Organizational Form

The changes in globalization bring the introduction of more flexible organizational forms such as communities of interest, communities of practice and collaborative innovation networks. Communities of interest are self-organizing groups of highly motivated individuals working together towards a common goal not because of orders from their superiors, but because the members of the network share the same goal and are convinced of their common cause.

SAINe support an organizational form with interdependent, no simple chain of command and dependence on trust characteristics which creates requirements for an ethical code. The following code of ethics rules should be followed by all SAINe members;

Be courteous with your fellow SAINe members: members are expected to treat each other with mutual respect.

Reciprocity: the principle of taking and giving is at the core of successful innovation communities. SAINe members are willing to help, but also expect similar behavior from other members as well.

Transparency: means that rules are made explicit, and the role and responsibilities of every SAINe member are obvious to the whole network.

Consistency: means that each and every SAINe member behaves according to a shared ethical code, and delivers on promises made to the network.

Rationality: means that actions within the community are grounded in reason not in randomness. Innovation communities are driven by learning, logic and a shared vision of working towards ‘furthering the state of art’.

We protect each members and non-members right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to personal information

We respect the property of the venues were we hold our events and ask our members and guests to do the same.

We do not advance private interests at the expense of members, guests, colleagues, or our employees.

We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims for SAINe.

We strive for excellence in the innovation profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of members and by fostering the aspirations of potential members in any business profession.