Statement of Principles
Because we recognize that a professional organization cannot long exist on what it once was or now is, but only on what it aspires to be, and
Because we recognize that, to a large extent, the future of Plante & Moran will depend upon the aspirations of its staff members,
We are setting forth a Statement of Principles for the counsel and guidance of present and future members of the firm.
- Principle of Service
It is our intent to serve the needs of our clients by providing professional services of the highest quality. We will continue to develop our capabilities and processes to anticipate and satisfy client needs, always placing their interests ahead of our own. At the same time, we will help each client to become as self-reliant as practical.
- Principle of Ethics
It is our intent to be guided by the highest level of ethics consistent with the Golden Rule. Individual staff members will not be required to perform work that offends their personal principles.
- Principle of Recruitment
It is our intent to recruit those individuals, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, religion, age, national origin, or handicap, who have the attitudes and capacities for service, learning, and growth.
- Principle of Compensation
It is our intent to compensate staff members as fairly as possible, based on their contribution and the success of the firm. Staff members should realize that there is a direct relationship between their compensation and the value of services they are rendering. Therefore, to a large degree, individual staff members are responsible for their own earning level. Learning and improving will result in enhancing one's earning potential.
- Principle of Individual Progress
It is our intent to encourage each staff member to progress within the firm at his or her own pace, subject to the overall welfare of the firm.
- Principle of Advancement
It is our intent at all times to turn first to our own staff members when contemplating promotions or filling higher-level staff openings. Recruitment of staff from outside the firm will be undertaken only when it appears to be in the best interest of our clients and the firm as a whole.
- Principle of Teamwork
It is our intent to work as a team to serve our clients. We will always attempt to utilize the best skills and capabilities available to satisfy client needs.
- Principle of Delegation
It is our intent to assign staff members to the level of work that will enable them to utilize their highest abilities over the greatest portion of their working day. This requires that the work be delegated to the experience level at which it can be performed most effectively.
- Principle of Continuing Professional Education
It is our intent to undertake or utilize those staff training programs, seminars and work experience that, in our best judgment, will contribute most to the professional growth and advancement of the individual staff members and the firm. It is also our intent to provide ready access to information related to continued staff development.
- Principle of Leadership
It is our intent to encourage and develop our staff members to be leaders within the firm and our communities.
- Principle of Individual Freedom
It is our intent to create an atmosphere that maximizes individual freedom with as few rules as possible. While this freedom requires greater individual responsibility, we believe this kind of environment maximizes the opportunity for each of us to flourish professionally.
- Principle of Communication
It is our intent to maintain a free flow of meaningful information to and among staff members, and to encourage staff members to contribute their ideas and suggestions regarding business and policy matters. In this way, we hope to retain many of the advantages that come from being a small, close-knit group, even as we grow in number.
- Principle of Decision-Making
It is our intent to maintain a timely yet thorough decision-making process, with decisions made at the most appropriate level. We will strive to be effective by keeping a balance between participation and efficiency.
- Principle of Common Good
It is our intent that the firm shall not be operated for the personal advantage of any one member or group, but for the common benefit of all staff members.
- Principle of Balance
It is our intent to provide an atmosphere where balance is sought and celebrated: balance between work and family, between work and play, between professional accomplishments and personal pursuits, between head and heart, and between individual freedom and the good of the team. Inherent in this is the understanding that balance varies for each staff member and is a lifelong, constantly changing challenge.
