Ethisphere Announces the 2009 World’s Most Ethical Companies

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ethisphere Institute today announced its annual selection of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, recognizing organizations that promote ethical business standards and practices by going beyond legal minimums, introducing innovative ideas benefiting the public and forcing their competitors to follow suit. Across 35 industries, 99 companies have demonstrated the sustained and real leadership necessary to earn this distinction.

“Ethisphere applauds this year’s recipients for standing out among the crowd and putting ethics first.”

“Operating as an ethical leader requires a significant commitment from companies that goes beyond lip service and demands real action and change,” said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of the Ethisphere Institute. “After a rigorous and competitive selection process, the companies on this year’s list have demonstrated an understanding that ethical practices are not only necessary, but can support a stronger and more solid business overall. We commend them for their admirable contributions to their respective industries and look forward to their continued leadership in the years to come.”

Ethisphere began identifying the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2007. This year’s group features 22 first time recipients including Dell, Thomson Reuters, Best Buy and T-Mobile. An impressive 44 companies have been recognized for the third time including General Electric, American Express, PepsiCo, McDonalds, Starbucks and IKEA. A full list is available at www.ethisphere.org/wme2009 and in the Q1 issue of the quarterly magazine Ethisphere, which will be released April 20.

“Evidenced by the record number of applications in 2009, companies are placing even greater value in devoting time and resources to improve their ethics and compliance programs,” said Stefan Linssen, Managing Editor of Ethisphere Magazine. “Ethisphere applauds this year’s recipients for standing out among the crowd and putting ethics first.”

Researchers and analysts reviewed over 10,000 companies’ codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and feedback from consumer action groups. Information was both provided by the companies through questionnaires and collected during additional independent research.

Using a unique system focusing on seven key categories, Ethisphere verifies, evaluates and analyzes a company’s efforts to quantify its Ethics Quotient (EQ), a numerical value calculated for each company. The categories include: corporate citizenship and responsibility; corporate governance; innovation that contributes to public well being; industry leadership; executive leadership and tone from the top; integrity track record and reputation; and internal systems and ethics/compliance program. Ethisphere also considered companies’ standings on various corporate social responsibility lists, such as FTSE4Good. The companies with the highest EQs attain a coveted place among the 2009 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

The 2009 World’s Most Ethical Companies advisory panel included Ethisphere editors and researchers, as well as attorneys, government officials, professors and other leaders who care about ethical and honest business practices.

About Ethisphere Institute

The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. The Institute’s associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes over 200 leading corporations, universities and institutions. The Ethisphere Council is dedicated to the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.org.