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Frequently asked questions
What is the DIALOG and eDIALOG.confidential program?
It is a confidential, two-way communication channel designed to provide every UTC employee an alternate, confidential means of addressing the company, with a commitment that management will strive to issue a candid and confidential response within 14 calendar days. Complete confidentiality and anonymity are promised to encourage communication from employees who otherwise might not be heard. The Program is based on (a) confidentiality (protecting the identities of those using the channel), (b) neutrality (refraining from advocating the views either of management or the employee), and (c) independence (being separate from management)
Who may use the DIALOG program?
Any UTC employee. A retiree is able to contact an ombudsman. Nearly 67,000 DIALOG inquiries have been submitted since the program began.
What sort of issues may I address?
Any business related issue (except those subject to the provisions of collective bargaining agreements or those restricted by applicable law).
How do I use the program?
Send your question to the DIALOG coordinator using a DIALOG form or use the encrypted web based eDIALOG.confidential.utc.com via the Internet. The pre-addressed, form may be sent via inter-office or outside mail, depending on your location. The form can also be sent by fax.
Who will know I submitted a DIALOG form?
Your identity will be carefully guarded. Only the coordinator will see your name. To fully ensure confidentiality you should refrain from telling anyone that you wrote a DIALOG inquiry.How will my identity be protected?
An edited version of your DIALOG inquiry, with any identifying data deleted, will be forwarded to an appropriate manager for an answer. Management's response is sent back to the DIALOG administrator or eDIALOG coordinator, who will send it in confidence to you.
Who answers a DIALOG inquiry?
It depends on the subject. For example, if the inquiry deals with a product quality question it would probably be answered by the quality manager. If it deals with an environmental issue, it would most likely be referred to the environmental officer for an expert answer. The answering department will provide a reply, which will be reviewed by the DIALOG coordinator to verify that it is a complete response to your question or concern.
Ombudsman or DIALOG – Which should I use?
UTC's Ombudsmen are available by telephone or eDIALOG.confidential.utc.com to any UTC employee worldwide to address any business-related issue (except those subject to the provisions of collective bargaining agreements or those restricted by applicable law). Each Ombudsman is trained as a mediator and acts as an intermediary in obtaining answers from management while protecting the identity of the person who raised the issue. Because talking with an Ombudsman allows you to have a confidential conversation with a neutral and independent person, it allows you to explain your situation in greater detail with more give and take. For these reasons, you should call an Ombudsman to address issues that require explanation or that involve complicated facts. The Ombudsman will provide information to you regarding a likely response date.
DIALOG is a written, two-way communication system. Like the Ombudsman, it's confidential and can be anonymous if you choose. However, because it's a written program, it's better suited for handling issues that are less complex and don't require explanation, or for asking a simple question, expressing a concern, suggesting a change, reporting a problem or complimenting someone or some thing.
When your DIALOG is received, the DIALOG Program Coordinator (DPC) edits it to eliminate all data that might be used to identify you as the writer, and it's forwarded to appropriate management for an answer in writing (our goal is within 14 days, but more complicated questions may take longer). In all cases the reply comes from a responsible person in management, and is reviewed by the DPC or an Ombudsman before being returned to you to ensure that your question was answered fully). DIALOG should not be used to raise issues related to matters covered by collective bargaining agreements, restricted by local law or that are personal attacks without substantiating facts.
