Focus on Long-Term Benefits of Ethics: Productivity, Profitability and Retention of Customers and Employees

The Ethisphere Institute, a think-tank dedicated to the research and promotion of best practices in business ethics and compliance, announced today that it enlisted prominent CEOs and directors to contribute to the Q3 2009 issue of Ethisphere Magazine. The latest issue of the Magazine features the seven leading executives, whose organizations accounted for just under $100 billion in combined revenue in 2008, sharing their insights on how an ethical culture and leadership can result in positive and lasting impacts internally and externally. Sharon Allen, Chairman of the Board of Deloitte LLP, served as Guest Editor for the issue.

"Ethisphere is proud to feature these company leaders and we commend them for making the time and effort to share their experiences and advice with others in their positions," said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of Ethisphere. "More than ever before, chief executives and boards share responsibility for the ethics and compliance efforts of their company. These leaders understand the importance of ethics and compliance as business issues and have made implementing, communicating and upholding high standards their utmost priority."

For their contribution, each executive wrote about the role of ethics in various business functions, including customer relationships, organizational culture, tone from the top, employee engagement and more. Guest contributors to the Q3 edition include:

• Sharon Allen, Chairman of Deloitte
• Charles L. Harrington, Chairman and CEO of Parsons Corporation
• Chad O. Holliday, Jr., Chairman of DuPont
• Don Knauss, Chairman and CEO of Clorox
• Robert W. Lane, Chairman of John Deere
• Thomas L. Monahan, Chairman and CEO of Corporate Executive Board
• Barry Salzberg, CEO of Deloitte

"We're going through some pretty stressful times"¦and we're not out of it yet. It's more important than ever that company leadership reinforces the importance of ethics in a time like this," said Holliday.

Knauss agreed, adding, "The line doesn't stop at internal controls and ethics policies. In order to truly develop trust with their customers, companies must walk the walk. At the end of the day, when a company models that behavior inside and out, when they walk the walk, then they establish a solid foundation of trust."

Harrington cited any short-term sacrifices made in order to maintain a record of integrity are well worth it. "The end results," he insists, "are virtually always long-term gains: gains in reputation as a company that doesn't cut ethical corners; gains in attracting employees who already have their own personal commitment to integrity and want to work for a company which is similarly committed; and gains in attracting the right kind of suppliers, subcontractors and teaming partners with whom to work."

Each executive's article in its entirety is now available in the Q3 issue of Ethisphere Magazine and online at www.ethisphere.org.

Other highlights of the upcoming edition of Ethisphere Magazine include a feature story on how ethics can measurable affect an organization's brand and value, a spotlight on conducting business in Nigeria and commentary on the SEC's recent proposal of greater ethics disclosure in proxy filings.

About Ethisphere Institute
The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. The Institute's associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes over 200 leading corporations, universities and institutions. The Ethisphere Council is dedicated to the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking(TM), is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.org.

Ethisphere Institute

Ethisphere Institute

The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. The Institute’s associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes over 200 leading corporations, universities and institutions. The Ethisphere Council is dedicated to the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Rankingâ„¢, is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.org.

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