The Ethisphere Institute has compiled an annual list of the world’s most ethical companies since 2007. For the 2013 list, the largest to date, Ethisphere reviewed nominations from companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries.
In compiling the list, Ethisphere reviews codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories, evaluates investment in innovation and sustainable business practices, looks at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship and studies nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.
Among the companies recognised on the 2013 list were power and technology group ABB and industrial automation solution provider Rockwell Automation, which was named for the fifth time.
According to Alex Brigham, Executive Director of Ethisphere, 2013 saw an increase in applications, suggesting that ethical activity is an increasingly important part of many companies’ business models.