In 2012, which is the relation between companies and business ethics? That's a big question. A global answer is in 2012 World's Most Ethical Companies Ranking by Ethisfere Institute.
Few days ago in New York, during a gala, the ranking has been unveiled: 145 companies made the list, with 43 of them headquartered outside the United States. The ranking started in 2007 and now includes small, medium and large-size companies worldwide.
Ethisphere Institute is a New York-based international think-tank, dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.
Each 2012 honoree was chosen for promoting ethical business standards and practices by exceeding legal minimums for compliance, introducing innovative ideas that benefit the public and forcing the competitors to follow suit.
The categories in the ranking are: Aerospace and Defense; Agriculture; Apparel; Automotive; Banking; Business Services; Chemicals, Computer Hardware; Computer Software, Construction; Consumer Electronics; Consumer Products; Diversified Industries; E- commerce; Electronics; Energy and Utilities (natural gas, electric, wind, water); Energy; Engineering and Design; Environmental Services; Financial Services; Food and Beverage; Food Service; Forestry, Paper and Packaging; Health and Beauty; Healthcare Services; Industrial Manufacturing; Insurance (brokerage, health, property and casualty, reinsurance); Leisure and Hospitality; Media; Medical Devices; Metals and Mining; Pharmaceuticals and Biotechonology; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Real Estate; Restaurants and Cafes; Retail (food stores, general, specialty); Staffing Services; Telecommunications Equipment; Telecommunication Services; Transportation and Logistics.
Ethics is important in business, but also the places and the business regulations are relevant when it comes to business.
In the infographic below: the best countries, and those emerging, to do business in the world in 2012. [Sources: Doing Business Project – The World Bank Group and InfographicLabs]
