The American Energy Society is committed to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics. Therefore, the Society abides by a "Social Contract" (aka "code of conduct") that informs every facet of its operations, practices, and principles. Officers, managers and staff are expected to promote a sense of commitment to the spirit and letter of this social contract, and all vendors are expected to conform to these same standards when working for or on behalf of the Society.  Moreover, all Members of the Society are expected to abide by this code, too.

The Society's Social Contract cannot possibly address every practice or principle related to honest and ethical conduct.  Instead, the Contract offers examples of conduct that is particularly important for appropriate dealings with all Members, coworkers, clients, contractors, vendors, investors, the governments that regulate our activities, and members of other professional communities.  From time to time we may adopt additional policies and procedures not otherwise stated here. It is the responsibility of everyone to apply common sense, together with his or her own highest personal ethical standards, in making professional decisions where there is no stated guideline in the Society's Social Contract.

General professional ethics, broadly defined as the Society's "Social Contract":

• Unyielding personal integrity.
• Honesty and fairness. 
• Kindness with professional colleagues, as it is also expected with family and significant others.

Professional ethics specific to the American Energy Society:

• Respect for privacy, whether personal, private or professional; the Society never shares information without prior consent. Ever.  
• Tolerance of all questions and opinions, without fear of any form of retaliation. 
• Verbal appreciation is welcome, but gifts are not ... as they can create a conflict of interest. 
• A work environment that is free from discrimination or harassment. 
• Compliance with the applicable laws in all countries where the Society otherwise does business. The fact that in some countries certain laws are not enforced or that violation of those laws is not subject to public criticism will not be accepted as an excuse for noncompliance. 
• Compliance with U.S. laws, rules, and regulations governing the conduct of business with citizens and corporations outside the U.S., which includes:

               - The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
               - Export Controls; and
               - Anti-boycott Compliance.

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Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or comments about the American Energy Society Social Contract.​