The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) strives to meet the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all aspects of its operations.

All members of SEG leadership must place the interests of SEG above personal interests when acting in service to the Society.

SEG expects its leaders to conduct themselves ethically and in a businesslike manner, individually and collectively. It expects its leadership to treat one another and SEG’s members with respect and to deal as openly as possible on all matters. This expectation includes proper use of authority and appropriate decorum in group and individual interactions when representing SEG.

As an elaboration of established principles of leadership behavior, the following SEG Leadership Code of Conduct is enunciated, specifying standards for leadership behavior beyond those to which all Society members are bound through their pledges to abide by the SEG Code of Ethics. The Leadership Code of Conduct applies to members of the Board of Directors, members of the Council, and chairs and other leaders of SEG committees and other components. Allegations of Leadership Code of Conduct violations by a member of SEG leadership shall be handled in accordance with the same procedures given in the SEG Bylaws and the SEG Policies and Procedures Manual for addressing allegations of behavior contrary to the Code of Ethics.

Responsibilities of SEG Leadership

It shall be the obligation of each member of SEG leadership to support the Purpose and Objectives of SEG as defined in the SEG Bylaws. Expectations for behavior of SEG leadership members include but are not limited to:

  1. Exercising loyalty to the interests of the Society and avoiding conflicts of interest.
  2. Maintaining faithful stewardship of SEG resources, financial, and otherwise.
  3. Serving as an ethical and moral example to Society members, and providing them with guidance based on SEG principles and official positions when necessary.
  4. Treating all SEG members with respect and maintaining professional relationships with SEG staff.
  5. Assuming that any statements made while in a leadership position may be misunderstood as a representation of SEG’s views. Individual SEG leaders or groups of SEG leaders who interact with the public, the press, or other entities shall state that they do not speak for SEG or the Board of Directors or any other SEG entity except when they have been designated to do so by policy or by the Board. SEG leadership also shall refrain from making public statements on nonscientific and non-Society topics (e.g., statements about politics or religion) that might cause controversy among Society members, especially on issues on which the leadership has taken an official position. Official positions taken by SEG leadership shall be identified as such when expressed publicly by members of SEG leadership.
  6. Refraining from divulging confidential information received through their leadership role that has not become available to the general public, unless prior written authorization has been provided for its release. Information obtained through an executive-session discussion is not to be disclosed outside of the leadership team that conducted the discussion unless it has become public.
  7. Gaining familiarity with SEG governing documents including, but not limited to, Bylaws, Code of Ethics, Policies and Procedures Manual, this Code of Conduct, and fundamentals of Robert’s Rules of Order so that leadership decisions may be made expeditiously and within the Society’s established governance framework.
  8. Attending meetings on a regular and punctual basis, and exercising duty of care by reviewing all information provided in advance and fulfilling all other premeeting obligations.
  9. Ensuring that unethical activities not covered or specifically prohibited by the foregoing, or any other applicable rule, policy, or procedure, are neither encouraged nor condoned. SEG requires all members of SEG leadership to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Additional Responsibilities of SEG Board of Directors Members

In addition to the above-stated responsibilities for SEG leadership, members of the Board of Directors have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that does not compromise the ability of the Board to accomplish its mandate or undermine public confidence in the members’ ability to properly discharge their responsibilities. Expectations of SEG Board members include but are not limited to:

  1. Acting in a manner that enhances the integrity of the Board.
  2. Refraining from gaining improper advantages through information derived from their association with the Board.
  3. Representing the Board in their activities both within and outside SEG only when specifically authorized to do so.
  4. Performing all responsibilities of their positions, including exercising fiduciary stewardship, as specified in SEG governance documents of SEG.
  5. Making a monetary donation of any amount to the SEG Foundation on an annual basis to ensure that 100% participation of the Board is achieved.
  6. Annually reviewing and agreeing to comply with the SEG Leadership Code of Conduct, Financial Conflict of Interest Policy, Code of Ethics/Professional Conduct Policy, Anti-Harassment Policy, Social Media Policy, and other policies applicable to Board members.

All members of SEG leadership have a duty to the Society to promptly report any actual or probable criminal conduct or any alleged violations of this Code. When a member of SEG leadership fails to comply with the laws, rules, and regulations that govern SEG or this Code, or fails to report such conduct, that person’s actions could have severe consequences for SEG and other individuals. Observations of failure to comply with this Code of Conduct or other applicable leadership guidance should be reported promptly to the SEG President or SEG Executive Director.   

ADVERTISEMENT