LinkedIn 2013 Annual Report Download - page 18

could require changes to our products or services, restrict or impose additional costs upon the conduct of
our business or cause users to abandon material aspects of our service.
In the area of information security and data protection, most states have passed laws requiring
notification to users when there is a security breach for personal data, such as the 2002 amendment to
California’s Information Practices Act, or requiring the adoption of minimum information security
standards that are often vaguely defined and difficult to practically implement. The costs of compliance
with these laws may increase in the future as a result of changes in interpretation. Furthermore, any
failure on our part to comply with these laws may subject us to significant liabilities.
We are also subject to federal, state, and foreign laws regarding privacy and protection of member
data. Our privacy policy and user agreement describe our practices concerning the use, storage,
transmission and disclosure of member data. Any failure by us to comply with these terms or privacy
related laws and regulations could result in proceedings against us by governmental authorities or others,
which could harm our business. In addition, the interpretation of privacy and data protection laws, and
their application to online services is unclear, evolving and in a state of flux. There is a risk that these
laws may be interpreted and applied in conflicting ways from state to state, country to country, or region
to region, and in a manner that is not consistent with our current data protection practices, or that new
regulations will be enacted. Complying with these varying domestic and international requirements could
cause us to incur additional costs and change our business practices. Further, any failure by us to
adequately protect our members’ privacy and data could result in a loss of member confidence in our
services and ultimately in a loss of members and customers, which could adversely affect our business.
In addition, because our services are accessible worldwide, certain foreign jurisdictions have claimed
and others may claim that we are required to comply with their laws, including with respect to the
storage, use and disclosure of member information, even in jurisdictions where we have no local entity,
employees, or infrastructure.
Our Values and Company Culture
Our values and unique company culture serve as the foundation to our success. Our values are the
principles by which we manage our day-to-day business and facilitate decision-making. Our core values
are:
•Our Members Come First. We encourage employees to know and understand our members and to
ensure that we foster the long-term vitality of the LinkedIn ecosystem.
•Relationships Matter. By fostering trust with colleagues and partners, we all succeed. We
fundamentally believe that doing what is right is more important than being right. We manage
compassionately by recognizing that people have experiences and perspectives that may differ from
our own.
•Be Open, Honest and Constructive. We expect our employees to communicate with clarity and
provide feedback with consistency in a constructive way.
•Demand Excellence. Our employees are encouraged to lead by example, seek to solve big
challenges, set measureable and actionable goals, and continuously learn, iterate and improve.
•Take Intelligent Risks. Taking intelligent risks has been paramount in building the company to date.
No matter how large the company becomes we strive to never lose our startup mentality.
•Act Like an Owner. Talent is our most important asset. We expect employees to act as an owner in
each decision they make, no matter how big or small.
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