I. Community Guidelines

To ensure a harmonious and productive online experience, we encourage all members and or users of this online community forum to familiarize themselves with the following guidelines. These guidelines are designed to create a space where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported in their professional growth.

a.) Respectful Interaction: Treat fellow members with courtesy and respect. Diverse opinions and experiences contribute to the richness of our community, so let’s engage in discussions with an open mind and without personal attacks, defamatory or offensive language, false information and or misrepresentation. Any messages, content, or posts containing personal attacks, false information, or misrepresentation against fellow community members or organization will be subject to a disciplinary action. The author of such messages will face any of the following depending on the severity of the offense.

b.) Professional Conduct: Maintain a professional tone in all your interactions. Remember that this forum is an extension of your professional identity, and your words reflect not only on yourself but also on the broader HR community.

c.) Relevance: Ensure that your contributions align with the purpose of this forum – the exchange of knowledge related to sustainable and sound people management. Keep discussions focused and refrain from posting content unrelated to the community’s objectives.

d.) Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize the quality of your contributions over the quantity. Thoughtful and well-reasoned posts contribute more to the community’s collective body of knowledge than a high volume of hastily composed nonsensical messages.

e.) Confidentiality: Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information. Avoid sharing proprietary or confidential details about your organization or others unless you have explicit permission to do so.

f.) Moderation Cooperation: Adhere to the guidance of our moderators. They work tirelessly to maintain a positive and inclusive environment, and your cooperation is vital in building and ensuring the success of our community.

II. Appeals Process

Members who receive disciplinary actions have the right to file an appeal. In the event that a community member/user receives a warning, suspension, or ban notice from the forum management and wishes to appeal the decision, we have established a transparent appeals process. Please follow these clear instructions for initiating an appeal:

1. Notification Review: Carefully review the notification received, which outlines the specific warning, suspension, or ban and the reasons for the action taken.
2. Grounds for Appeal: Ensure that your appeal is based on valid grounds, such as a misunderstanding, new evidence, or a belief that the decision was unjust. Appeals solely challenging the enforcement of forum guidelines without substantive reasons or proof of evidence may not be considered.
3. Contact Person: Identify the designated contact person for appeals. This information is typically included in the notification you received. If not, refer to the forum’s moderation or contact page for the relevant details.
4. Submission of Appeal: Prepare a well-articulated and coherent appeal that clearly outlines the grounds for reconsideration. Include any supporting evidence or additional context that may aid in the review process.
5. Appeal Channel: Submit your appeal through the designated channel specified in the notification or the forum’s appeals process documentation. This may include an email address, an online form, or a private message to the designated contact person.
6. Provide Essential Information: Include essential information in your appeal, such as your full name, email address, contact details, forum username, the date of the notice, and a concise summary of the reasons for your appeal.
7. Timeline: Be aware of any specified timelines for submitting appeals. Appeals submitted within the stipulated timeframe are more likely to be considered promptly.
8. Review Process: The designated contact person or the appeals team will thoroughly review your appeal, taking into account the grounds presented and any supporting documentation.
9. Communication of Outcome: Expect timely communication regarding the outcome of your appeal. This may come in the form of an email, private message, or another appropriate communication method.
10. Final Decision: Respect the final decision made by the Ethics Committee’s Appeals Team. If your appeal is successful, the appropriate actions, such as a lifting of suspension or removal of a warning, will be implemented.

By adhering to these instructions, we ensure you of a transparent and fair appeals process within the online HR community forum. The designated contact person or appeals team is committed to thoroughly reviewing each appeal, promoting accountability, and maintaining the integrity of the PMAP forum’s moderation practices.

III. Documentation

All warnings, suspensions, and bans are thoroughly documented by the moderation team. The said documentation serves as a record of the member’s behavior and the actions taken by the moderation team. It helps maintain consistency and transparency in the enforcement of forum guidelines.

IV. User Registration and Verification

PMAP commits to implementing a secure registration process and it is a primordial responsibility of the association to ensure that community members in an online forum have a genuine connection to PMAP (People Management Association of the Philippines) and are legitimate stakeholders. Below is a detailed registration process with security measures:

1.) Landing Page: PMAP has established a dedicated landing page for registration, underscoring the exclusive nature of the community reserved for PMAP members. Access to this community provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the principles of sound and sustainable people management. Members can stay informed about the latest trends and practices across the spectrum of human capital management, benefit from the wisdom of experienced human capital practitioners, and seek professional advice on matters related to people management.

2. Registration Form

1. – Open a Web Browser: Launch a web browser on your device. Popular options include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge.
2. – Register or Log in: You need to create a new account if you haven’t done so previously. Look for a “Sign Up” or “Register” button or link on the homepage. Fill in the necessary details, such as username, email address, and password, and follow any additional instructions to complete the registration process.
3. – Verify your account by clicking the link sent to your email. The default user level of a newly created account is visitor.
4. – For the bonafide PMAP members, such as CEO, primary representative and alternate representative, they already have default accounts available on the website. They can access their account by resetting their password through this link https://pmap.org/my-account/forgot-password/ and follow the instructions provided on the screen.

3.) Eligibility Check: In order to access the forum, the user must visit the forum webpage (https://pmap.tempurl.host/pmap-answers/) and login to his/her account. Then the system will automatically check if the account that he/she is trying to access is eligible for accessing the topics/contents of the forum. For the eligible PMAP members, they can view all the available categories of the forum where they can view, post new topic, and reply to the existing topics available.

4.) Member Directory: To uphold the accountability of sensitive information, PMAP takes measures to ensure that members’ data is treated with utmost confidentiality. The directory, containing member information, is exclusively accessible to PMAP’s organic professional staff. Consequently, the Membership Committee of PMAP assumes the exclusive responsibility of approving requests for membership in the online community. The directory may encompass professional profiles, streamlining the process for the team to verify the legitimacy of each member.

5.) Regular Audits: In the context of conducting regular audits, the process involves a systematic review of the community membership to ensure continuous adherence to eligibility criteria. The audit is a proactive measure aimed at upholding the integrity of the community. A designated team, responsible for periodic evaluations, meticulously examines the membership records, cross-referencing them with the established eligibility criteria. During this audit, any members found to no longer meet the specified criteria (first is for them to be a PMAP member) or exhibit questionable credentials are identified. The removal of such members is carried out judiciously, with a focus on maintaining the community’s standards and ensuring that the platform remains exclusive to those who align with the defined criteria for membership. This iterative audit process contributes to the ongoing health and credibility of the community

6.) Terms of Use Agreement: As an integral part of our commitment to fostering a secure and reputable online community, a clear and concise terms of use agreement is thoughtfully integrated into the registration process for the PMAP community. This agreement serves as a foundational framework, delineating the rules and expectations that govern member interactions within the forum. It ensures that individuals seeking membership are well-informed about their responsibilities and the standards upheld by the community. Emphasis is placed on the importance of accuracy and honesty, particularly in relation to PMAP membership status. Members are explicitly warned about the consequences of providing false information or misrepresenting their affiliation with PMAP. This proactive approach not only establishes a framework for responsible participation but also underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining the credibility and authenticity of the community.

Within these terms of use agreement, clarity is paramount, and the consequences of any deviations are explicitly stated. Misrepresentation of PMAP membership status or the submission of inaccurate information may result in disciplinary actions, including warnings, suspensions, or potential expulsion from the community. By articulating these consequences transparently, we ensure that our community members are aware of the significance of accurate representation, fostering an environment of trust, respect, and integrity within the PMAP online forum.

V. Education and Communication

 Within the PMAP online community, educating our members about the paramount importance of a secure environment is a fundamental aspect of our commitment to fostering a trustworthy digital space. We emphasize that a secure community not only safeguards sensitive information but also upholds the integrity of the interactions and shared knowledge within our platform. Through regular communications, we ensure that our members are aware of the robust security measures in place, including secure data transmission protocols, email authentication, and stringent verification processes during registration. By actively promoting awareness of these security features, members can confidently engage in discussions, share insights, and collaborate, knowing that their information is protected within this secure digital ecosystem.

To sustain ongoing awareness and enhance our community’s collective understanding of security best practices, we have instituted mechanisms for regular communication. Monthly newsletters, community announcements, and dedicated discussion threads are utilized to disseminate security updates, highlight recent improvements, and share insights into emerging cybersecurity trends. Additionally, we conduct periodic webinars or workshops led by cybersecurity experts to provide in-depth insights into safeguarding personal information and recognizing potential security threats. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and vigilance, we empower our community members to actively contribute to the maintenance of a secure and resilient online space, reinforcing the principles of trust and collaboration within the PMAP community.

VI. Secure Connection (SSL)

PMAP website is using SSL.  An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a security protocol that creates an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser.

VII. Robust Reporting Mechanism for PMAP Community

At PMAP, the implementation of an effective reporting mechanism is important in maintaining the integrity and security of our community. We prioritize transparency and accountability by providing existing members with a straightforward process to flag suspicious activity or potential violations of membership criteria. An easily accessible reporting interface is integrated into our online platform, allowing members to submit concerns with detailed information. To encourage open communication, we have incorporated an option for anonymous reporting, fostering an environment where members feel secure in reporting potential issues without fear of repercussions.

a.) Investigation Process: Upon receiving a report, our dedicated investigation team, comprising impartial moderators or community managers, promptly initiates a thorough review of the reported concerns. The team examines the nature and severity of the reported issue, leveraging a well-defined set of categories to ensure accurate classification. A transparent and timely investigation process is maintained, with automated response systems in place to acknowledge the receipt of reports and keep reporting members informed about the progress. We understand the importance of a swift and fair resolution, and our team strives to adhere to predefined timelines for the investigation process.

b.) Decision and Continuous Improvement: Following the completion of the investigation, informed decisions are made based on the severity of the violation. Appropriate actions, such as warnings, suspensions, or permanent expulsion, are implemented as necessary. We ensure communication with both the reporting member and the accused party, maintaining confidentiality while keeping all parties informed. Regular assessments of the reporting mechanism and investigation process are conducted to identify areas for improvement. Feedback from the community is actively sought, and educational outreach initiatives are implemented to address any underlying issues and enhance awareness within the PMAP community. This continuous improvement cycle underscores our commitment to providing a secure, respectful, and accountable environment for all community members.

By implementing these measures, the online forum for PMAP community members can maintain a secure registration process, ensuring that only genuine and eligible individuals have access. Regular reviews and communication about security practices will contribute to the ongoing integrity of the community.

VIII. Member Engagement

At PMAP, fostering active participation and engagement within our community is a top priority. We employ a multifaceted approach to encourage vibrant interactions among our members. Regular prompts and discussion topics are curated, addressing current trends, challenges, and best practices in human resources. These prompts serve as catalysts for insightful conversations, enabling members to share their experiences, seek advice, and contribute valuable perspectives. Additionally, themed discussion weeks or monthly spotlight features showcase individual members or specific HR practices, providing opportunities for community members to engage in collaborative learning and celebrate achievements.

To further stimulate collaboration, we host virtual events such as webinars, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions featuring industry experts and thought leaders. These events not only offer opportunities for knowledge exchange but also provide a platform for members to connect on a more personal level. We encourage the creation of special interest groups within the community, where members with common professional interests can collaborate on projects, share resources, and initiate discussions tailored to their specific needs. By implementing this comprehensive strategy, PMAP strives to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive community where every member feels motivated and empowered to actively participate, share insights, and contribute to the collective growth of the HR profession.

IX. Accessibility

Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all members is a foundational principle in the design of our online community platform at PMAP. We are committed to creating an environment where every member, including those with disabilities, can actively participate and engage with ease. Our platform adheres to accessibility standards, incorporating features such as alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and compatibility with screen readers. User interface elements are designed with clear and intuitive navigation, ensuring a seamless experience for members with varying abilities. Additionally, we provide comprehensive support services for users facing accessibility challenges, including a dedicated helpline and online resources that offer guidance on navigating the platform with assistive technologies.

Recognizing that accessibility is an ongoing commitment, we actively seek feedback from our community members, especially those with disabilities, for us to continually improve the platform’s usability. Regular accessibility audits are conducted to identify areas for enhancement, and updates are implemented to address the evolving needs of our diverse user base. By prioritizing accessibility, PMAP aims to foster a truly inclusive digital space, where all members, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in the vibrant exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences within our community.

X. Community Analytics

The forum has basic analytics, which is also visible to all visitors.

XII. Legal Compliance

PMAP is dedicated to upholding legal compliance within our online community by ensuring strict adherence to all relevant laws, including copyright, defamation, and intellectual property regulations. We prioritize the protection of intellectual property rights, fostering an environment where members can share and collaborate while respecting the legal boundaries. Robust moderation and content review processes are in place to promptly address any potential violations, with a commitment to promptly addressing and rectifying issues related to copyright infringement or defamation. This approach underscores our commitment to providing a secure and legally compliant space for members to engage in meaningful discussions and knowledge-sharing within the parameters of the Philippine law.

By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to create an online community that serves as a valuable resource for all members and users. Thank you for being part of the PMAP community, and let’s work together to make this forum a place of inspiration, collaboration, and professional growth.