Edible Apple

Following last week’s story that an Apple retail employee in England was let go after making comically disparaging remarks about the iPhone, 9to5Mac got its hands on Apple’s internal policy concerning social networking, blogging and a whole lot more.

Here’s a rundown of what Apple employees can and can’t do.

Having a personal website is okay, just as long as you remember not to make any mention of Apple anywhere on it. What’s more, Apple employees are instructed that they’re not to comment about Apple related matters on third-party websites either. And if you so happen to be an Apple retail employee, don’t even think about giving an inside scoop to customers pressuring you for information, even if they say the potential release of an upcoming product will influence their current shopping decision.

And now some excerpts from Apple’s policies regarding Facebook and other social media networks.

Whether or not you as an Apple employee choose to create or participate in a blog, wiki, online social network or any other form of online publishing or discussion is your own choice. In general, what you do on your own time is your business. However, activities that affect your job performance, the performance of other Apple employees, or Apple’s business interests are still covered by company policies and guidelines. This applies whether you engage in these activities in or outside of work, and whether or not you identify yourself as an Apple employee.

…

Apple’s Principles of Business Conduct:

Apple’s success is based on creating innovative, high-quality products and services and on demonstrating integrity in every business interaction. Apple’s principles of business conduct define the way we do business worldwide.

These principles are:

• Honesty. Demonstrate honesty and high ethical standards in all business dealings.
• Respect. Treat customers, suppliers, employees, and others with respect and courtesy.
• Confidentiality. Protect the confidentiality of Apple’s information and the information of our customers, suppliers, and employees.
• Community. Conduct business in a way that benefits the communities in which we operate.
• Compliance. Ensure that business decisions comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

via 9to5Mac