There are numerous ethical issues surrounding a business mentoring relationship. Business ethics has many dimensions, particularly in the realm of cyberspace. As part of the MicroMentor community, we ask that you agree to a basic set of guidelines and principles that are outlined below. Though not exhaustive, we hope these guidelines will assist you in establishing an honest, trusting and rewarding relationship. We ask you to use these guidelines as the basis for the relationship you are about to develop.

Mentors and Protégés
As a participant in the MicroMentor community, I agree to:

• Commit 3 months to each mentoring relationship (3 hours per month for mentors and 6 hours per month for proteges).
  
  
• Not promote goods or services from sources in which I have a financial or personal interest.
  
  
• Not to accept fees or commissions.
  
  
• Recognize the diversity of the MicroMentor community and respect the variety of cultural norms, beliefs, practices, and values it contains.

Mentors
As a mentor within the MicroMentor community, I agree to:

• Not to use any ideas, products or materials that a protégé has, or may develop, to further my business or financial interests; and maintain the confidentiality of all ideas, products or materials that have been entrusted to me by my protégé.
  
  
• Encourage my protégé to maintain the highest ethical standards.
  
  
• Maintain a high standard of personal and professional conduct with my protégé.
  
  
• Always communicate in a truthful manner.
  
  
• Support the goals of my protégé.
  
  
• Avoid the intent or appearance of unethical or compromising practice in relationships, actions and communications.
  
  
• Accept only assignments for which I am qualified by my experience and competence.
  
  
• Immediately acknowledge any influences on my objectivity to my protégé.
  
  
• Refer my protégé to MicroMentor for issues or questions for which I feel unqualified.

Protégés
As a protégé within the MicroMentor community, I agree to:

• Maintain the confidentiality of my mentoring relationships.
  
  
• Communicate regularly and openly with my mentor.
  
  
• Honor my commitment to my mentor.
  
  
• Complete any tasks agreed upon between my mentor and myself.
  
  
• Hold all sensitive information provided through your MicroMentor relationship in strict confidence.