Our Values
The OPCW’s Internal Vision

Excellence

We are committed to excellence:

we are committed to being leaders in our field

we are committed to quality and efficiency in all we do, even under adverse circumstances

we appoint our staff primarily on the basis of their expertise

we constantly improve everything we do

we identify and employ the talents of everyone.

People

We, the staff, value, respect and care for one another and recognise that the OPCW’s success depends on each and every one of us.

we celebrate and respect our diversity

we do not tolerate any form of discrimination

we acknowledge each others’ contributions and praise achievement

we ensure a safe and healthy work environment

we give support rather than apportion blame

we conduct ourselves professionally and with integrity at all times

Learning

We are a learning organisation

we recognise the desire of people to learn, innovate, and grow, provide that opportunity, and enhance our future through continuous transformation

we constantly search for new ways to function better, and are motivated to learn continuously in order to enhance professional skills, broaden knowledge and embrace innovation

we take nothing for granted, subject our actions to keen examination, acknowledge other points of view and learn from our mistakes

we seize every opportunity to learn from each other, from personal experiences, and from successes and failures

Empowerment

We manage through empowerment with accountability, equality, fairness and transparency

we manage and lead by personal example

we delegate responsibility with accountability to the lowest appropriate level

we respect the organisational structure and its lines of authority, and address issues with those responsible

we apply our rules, regulations, and procedures equally to all with fairness and consistency

we make decisions with integrity and transparency, involving all who are affected

Cooperation

We are committed to the realisation of the external vision of the OPCW through strategic cooperation

we direct our efforts towards the OPCW’s goals and objectives rather than working for personal or parochial advantage

we plan and conduct our work with a clear understanding of the objectives, roles and responsibilities of ourselves and of others

we are proactive rather than reactive

we strive for optimum interdependence

Engagement

We recognise that engaging in communication and dialogue are the cornerstones of our work:

we value and create opportunities for face-to-face communication within and between functional units

we encourage people to say what they think and listen actively

we communicate in ways that foster cooperation, clarity and committed action

we ensure that relevant information is fully shared with and disseminated to all who need it

we create team spirit, build a climate of trust and support, and strive to resolve interpersonal conflicts