5.08.2007 - 11:59pm ET

(CSRwire) PHOENIX, AZ - May 8, 2007 - Ethisphere Magazine, a national print publication dedicated to illuminating the important correlation between ethics and profit, has released its first listing of the World's Most Ethical Companies. The ranking will be published in the Q2 issue, available globally in May.

Editors of Ethisphere Magazine chose fewer than 100 companies from thousands of organizations that were analyzed over a six-month period. "It was a rigorous selection process. The organizations chosen for the list of World's Most Ethical Companies possess strong internal systems that encourage ethical behavior not only from its leaders but from its employees," said Alex Brigham, executive editor of Ethisphere Magazine. "These companies go beyond making statements about doing business ethically; they translate those words into actions."

The process included reviewing the companies' codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating companies' investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and working with consumer action groups for feedback and rating. Researchers included editors from Ethisphere Magazine as well support from SustainAbility, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Trillium Asset Management Corporation, Winslow Management Company, ForestEthics, Women's Equity Fund, The Center for Business Ethics, and New Alternatives Fund.

"These organizations demonstrate real and sustained ethical leadership, and realize that with this commitment comes increased competitive advantage and long-term profitability," said Stephen Martin, editor-in-chief of Ethisphere Magazine. "They have each scored materially higher in the evaluations than their industry competitors, and set the bar on ethical leadership for other companies to either follow...or fall behind."

The Q2 issue also features the Code of Conduct report card, which grades 50 financial services and technology companies. The Code of Conduct, often known as a "Code of Ethics" or "Code of Business Standards," is the stated commitment of the behavioral expectations an organization holds for its employees and agents. With grades from "A" to "D", the codes were evaluated by a panel of experts and an aggregate scored was derived based on eight criteria.

Thought-provoking, informative, and at times irreverent, Ethisphere Magazine offers insight to readers on gaining market share and creating sustainable competitive advantage through ethical business practices and corporate citizenship. With a circulation of 65,000 Board members, CEOs, General Counsel, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officers and senior executives, Ethisphere Magazine is the largest print publication in compliance, ethics and corporate social responsibility.

About The Publisher

The Ethisphere Council was created in 2006 by Corpedia, a leader in risk assessment and eLearning for ethics and compliance, the Practising Law Institute, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the professionalism of attorneys and others and LexisNexis, a leading provider of comprehensive information and business solutions. Formed with support from such leading corporations as Deutsche Telekom, Time Warner, Dresser Industries, Avaya and Kraft, the council is dedicated to the research, creation, and sharing of best practices in ethics, compliance, and corporate governance among its membership companies. It also focuses on the development and advancement of its members through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. More information on membership can be found at www.ethisphere.com.

For more information please contact: