The Ticker

Is Your Company Ethical? See Ethisphere's 2009 Rankings

By Kirk Shinkle

Posted: April 13, 2009

Is your company ethical?

The Ethisphere Institute lists the world's 99 most ethical companies that stand out thanks to forthright business practices. Companies are scored based on criteria including corporate citizenship, governance, innovation that contributes to public well being, industry and executive leadership, reputation and internal ethics programs.

Winners include the likes of Honeywell International, Nike, Patagonia, and HSBC Holdings. See the full list here.

As with all lists, this one is a bit subjective. Reuters notes "diversity, layoffs, executive compensation and outsourcing are not part of the criteria" and that some of the winners (like Nike) get points for righting past wrongs.

Related: Not everyone is happy with the list.

 

No bail outs

While the list may not be totally accurate, at least the companies listed have not asked for government (taxpayer) bail outs.

Tony Lee of CA @ Apr 13, 2009 16:30:36 PM

How?

I see starbucks is on the list. I can't imagine how it made it. It is laying off staff, closes stores, yet buys a new corporate jet, (it has three aircraft as it is). This new jet has been used for personal use, not just business. I am not against corporete aircraft, in fact I think for companies as large as Starbucks they are a neccessity, but using it for personal use while laying off workers? They cost to run it to Hawaii and back might have kept a few employees working. I hope the mai tais were worth it.

Kerry of ID @ Apr 13, 2009 13:39:43 PM

Add Your Thoughts
About You

advertisement

The Ticker

The Ticker

Kirk Shinkle is a senior editor at U.S. News. He writes daily about ups and downs in equity markets, sectors and stocks. Formerly, he covered business and economics on both coasts for Investor's Business Daily.

advertisement

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!