The Levi Strauss & Co. Global Sourcing and Operating Guidelines include t w o parts:
I. The Country Assessment Guidelines, which address large, external issues beyond the control of Levi Strauss & Co.‘s individual business partners. These help us assess the opportunities and risks of doing business in a particular country.
II. The Business Partner Terms of Engagement, which deal with issues that are substantially controllable by individual business partners. These Terms of Engagement are an integral part of our business relationships. Our employees and our business partners understand that c o mplying with our Terms of Engagement is no less important than meeting our quality standards or delivery times.
Country Assessment Guidelines
The numerous countries where Levi Strauss & Co. has existing or future business interests present a variety of cultural, political, social and economic circumstances.
The Country Assessment Guidelines help us assess any issue that might present concern in light of the ethical principles we have set for ourselves. The Guidelines assist us in making practical and principled business decisions as we balance the potential risks and opportunities associated with conducting business in specific countries. Specifically, we assess whether the:
Health and Safety Conditions would meet the expectations we have for employees and their families or our c o mpany representatives;
Human Rights Environment would allow us to conduct business activities in a manner that is consistent with our Global Sourcing and Operating Guidelines and other c o mpany policies;