Ethisphere recently announced that 136 companies have earned the World’s Most Ethical Companies? designation, an honor to organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to ethical business practices through robust programs that positively impact employees, communities, and broader stakeholders, as well as contributing to sustainable, long-term business growth.
In 2024, honorees span 20 countries and 44 industries. Fifteen companies are first-time honorees, while six have been recognized 18 times–every year since the inception of the awards in 2007.
What does it take to become one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies? It is an understatement to say that it is a tremendous amount of work–for the organizations going through the process, and for Ethisphere. We take this process very seriously. It’s also so rewarding to see the amount of effort, care, innovation, and commitment that companies take to build world-class programs. Here are a few highlights:
- The assessment covers a LOT. The World's Most Ethical Companies assessment is grounded in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient?, an extensive questionnaire that requires companies to provide over 240 different proof points on their culture of ethics; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices; ethics and compliance program; diversity, equity, & inclusion efforts; and initiatives that support a strong value chain. That data undergoes further qualitative analysis by our panel of experts who spend thousands of hours vetting and evaluating each year's group of applicants. This process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify truly best-in-class practices from organizations across industries and from around the world.
- There is value in the process. The application process–and the assessment criteria–covers the latest best practices, guidance, and expert analysis of what represents a robust program today. Plus, each applicant receives access to a Digital Analytical Scorecard. It provides an overview of how the applicant scored against World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees in key categories and offers access to 15 Ethics Quotient? data points, along with associated resources, in an interactive format powered by The Sphere—Ethisphere’s Ethics and Compliance benchmarking platform. Even if an organization does not achieve recognition, the team can clearly identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
- It generates data and insights to inspire all. In the months following the announcement, Ethisphere does a deep dive into the data representing the programs and practices of honorees. We share this data in reports, webcasts, our Ethicast podcast, articles, and interviews so that all companies can understand the elements of a world-class ethics, compliance. and governance program. Plus, our team spotlights how select honoree companies are advancing business integrity in Ethisphere Magazine–keep an eye out for the World's Most Ethical Companies issue, which publishes this summer.
Congratulations to this year’s class of the World’s Most Ethical Companies and to all of their peers who are committed to building extraordinary programs that make the world more fair, sustainable, and ethical. It’s important work.
