This year’s list of “The World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute recognized 128 businesses in 21 countries and 50 industries.
“The World’s Most Ethical Companies” assessment is based on five key categories: ethics and compliance (35 percent), culture of ethics (20 percent), corporate citizenship and responsibility (20 percent), governance (15 percent) and leadership and reputation (10 percent). All participants receive a quantitative evaluation that they can build on.
“Today, employees, investors and stakeholders are putting their greatest trust in companies to take leadership on societal issues. Companies that take the long view with a purpose-based strategy are proven to not only outperform but last,” said Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Erblich.
Research conducted last year by Hilton echoed this sentiment. Of the 72,000 guests surveyed, 62 percent said they would switch to a more expensive brand if a company was in the news for unethical business practices.
Without further ado, the winners:
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Wyndham Destinations, formerly Wyndham Worldwide, made Forbes’ list of “Best Employers for Diversity” earlier this year. This new distinction for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts marks the first global accolade for the company. One stand-out initiative is providing hotel owners and franchisees training and awareness tools in partnership with the Polaris Project and ECPAT-USA to identify human trafficking.
“In our first year as a new public company, recognition as one of the world’s most ethical companies is continued reaffirmation of the inclusive, values-driven culture instilled in our team members by our former parent, Wyndham Worldwide,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and chief executive officer for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Strong ethics are the foundation of our corporate culture, with integrity being one of our company’s core values.”
“Companies with effective compliance programs not only make good ethical decisions, but Ethisphere’s research demonstrates that they also outperform their peers,” added Paul Cash, general counsel and chief compliance officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Royal Caribbean has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute since 2016 as a driving force for ethical business practices—whether helping to improve communities or fostering a purpose-driven corporate culture.
“We recognize that corporate responsibility and accountability is increasingly driving decisions made by our guests, business partners and our employees,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “This honor is a reflection of our 50-year commitment to demonstrating these shared values every day, and I know our employees take great pride in this recognition.”
Hilton
Hilton has secured a spot on Ethisphere’s list for the second consecutive year. Kristin Campbell, executive VP and general counsel at Hilton, says the company may be new to the list but not to ethical business practices.
“Since Hilton was founded 100 years ago, prioritizing sound ethical business decisions has allowed us to have a positive impact on billions of lives and thousands of communities across the globe. Our team navigates some of the world’s most challenging ethics questions, from data privacy and protection, to safeguarding our supply chain and communities. It’s an honor to be recognized for our integrity and values, at a time when the business environment in which we operate faces more disruption than ever.”
Workplace culture and sustainable travel are two areas where Hilton shines.
Canon U.S.A.
Canon has been helping to create memorable corporate and incentives gift experiences for years. What many don’t know is that Canon’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and mission to affect positive social change around the world have positioned the company as a good corporate citizen—all reasons for landing on the most ethical businesses list for a second year in a row.
“For the Ethisphere to honor Canon with this renowned title is a true reflection of the values, culture, and leadership that drive our organization,” said Kenneth Sharpe, VP of corporate audit, ethics and business consultation, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This distinction directly speaks to our versatility and dedication to helping serve our communities through our advanced solutions and initiatives.”
