Governance : Our Company : GE

Contact Information

To report concerns related to compliance with the law, GE policies, or government contracting requirements, write to: GE Corporate Ombudsperson, P.O. Box 911, Fairfield, CT 06825; or call (800) 227–5003 or (203) 373–2603; or send an e-mail to ombudsperson@corporate.ge.com

Ombuds Network

GE has an extensive ombudsperson process that serves as a mechanism for individuals to ask questions and report integrity concerns without fear of retaliation. With a global network of approximately 750 ombudspersons, coverage is provided for every business and country in which GE operates. Employees come to know their local business ombudsperson through postings, articles and various Company intranet sites, and by ombudsperson introductions at all-employee meetings within the businesses, including integrity events and training.

As GE employment and business activity has changed, increased rigor around the ombudsperson appointment process has been added. All ombudspersons speak the local language and understand the culture and business environment of their locations. The ombudsperson network is continually assessed and measured to ensure it is operating with peak efficiency while providing the most comprehensive global coverage. GE ombudspersons are trained in procedures for receiving concerns, initiating investigations, monitoring case progress and closure. Training for ombudspersons is digitized to allow for self-directed course instruction. In 2011, a total of 218 ombudspersons were trained. Existing ombudspersons may also access the digitized training when a refresher is needed.

A Strong Culture of Integrity

Prompt corrective action and discipline demonstrate a strong integrity culture at GE. During 2011, 2,203 integrity concerns were reported through the ombudsperson process (39% anonymously) covering a variety of issues. This year, as part of GE’s Open Reporting initiative, a new “manager reporting form” was created. The form allows manager-level employees to report concerns that are raised to them. The form was introduced mid-year and has resulted in a 29% increase in the reporting of integrity concerns. Robust usage of the ombudsperson process demonstrates that GE leaders have set the right integrity culture, creating an environment that encourages employees to come forward with their questions and concerns without fear of retribution.

The results of the 2,203 investigations in 2011 led directly to 516 disciplinary actions being taken, including 126 employee separations, 335 warnings, 16 job changes, and 39 financially impacted employees. Disciplinary actions are up 35% over last year. Of the disciplinary actions, approximately 45% occurred outside the United States. Ombudspersons monitor investigations to ensure timely closure and prompt feedback to those who raise concerns. As of July 16, 98% of 2011 investigations have been closed, averaging approximately 58 days to complete.

Confirmed violations of company policies and procedures result in corrective actions such as training, strengthening routines and simplifying/updating processes. Although many policy non-conformances result from unintended mistakes, disciplinary actions are taken in appropriate cases involving intentional wrongdoing.