Ethisphere Announces The 2020 Worlds Most Ethical Companies

Ethisphere Announces the 2020 Worldâs Most Ethical Companies

Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, has announced the 132 honorees that have earned the coveted designation of Worldâs Most Ethical CompaniesÂ in 2020. The list represents 51 countries and 21 industries that prioritize ethical behavior as a means to improve the world, while enhancing business performance.

This is the 14th annual recognition of those who demonstrate leadership in corporate citizenship, transparency, and integrity. Among the honorees, 14 companies appear on the prestigious list for the first time, while seven have been named every year since 2007.

âThis is truly a time to celebrate incredible achievements. When we initiated the Worldâs Most Ethical Companies recognition in 2007, the concept of companies proactively aligning profits and purpose seemed unlikely. However, leading CEOs and organizations continue to prove our long-held hypothesis that conducting ethical business is the key to maximizing profits,â explained Ethisphere CEO, Timothy Erblich[^1^].

The honorees include companies from various sectors, such as Accenture, General Motors, Fresnillo plc, LâOrÃal, Marriott International, Mastercard, Starbucks, and more. These companies have shown their commitment to ethical leadership, compliance, governance, and social responsibility.

âBeing a company with the highest integrity and commitment to our core values has always been at the heart of who we are as a company and is fundamental to building trust with all of our stakeholdersâincluding our people, our clients and our communities,â said Accenture CEO, Julie Sweet[^1^]. âOur fundamental belief is that businesses not only have an opportunity, but an obligation, to be a force for good in the world. This commitment is more important than ever. We are honored to be recognized again as one of the Worldâs Most Ethical Companies.â

Ethisphereâs research supports the conclusion that ethics and financial performance go hand-in-hand. The stock prices of publicly traded honorees outperformed the large cap sector over five years by 13.5 percent. This âEthics Premiumâ forms the basis upon which companies can correlate responsible behavior with shareholder value[^1^].

âOperating with ethics and integrity is at the heart of Fresnillo plc purpose: âTo contribute to the wellbeing of people through the sustainable mining of silver and gold,â which is why we are proud to be named for the first time as one of the 2020 Worldâs Most Ethical Companies,â said Fresnillo CEO, Octavio AlvÃdrez[^1^].

The full list of the 2020 Worldâs Most Ethical Companies can be found at https://ethisphere.com/ethisphere-announces-the-2020-worlds-most-ethical-companies-2/. The honorees will also be recognized at Ethisphereâs annual Gala Dinner on March 31 in New York City. ec8f644aee