A List of the World´s Most Ethical Companies
by Mairi Beautyman, Berlin, Germany 
on 06. 1.07
Ethisphere Magazine has compiled an interesting list of what it applauds as the “World’s Most Ethical Companies,” recognizing ethical leadership and business practices worldwide. Ninety two-companies made the cut. Among them are: American Express, Berkshire Hathaway, General Electric, H & M, HSBC, IKEA, Mariott, McDonald´s, Milliken, Nike, Patagonia, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Target, Toyota, and Whole Foods Market.
The list is controversial—to put it lightly. Take McDonald´s. On its web site, Ethisphere notes, “Some may ask, “How can McDonald’s be on the list?” The answer is that the food service industry is the largest industry in the world—and McDonald’s has clearly stood apart in introducing healthier food fare, sustainable packaging, food safety, and ethical purchasing practices.”
The list is also notable for what is not on it: Carpet manufacturer Interface is missing, for example.
Each company was researched by editors over a six-month review period, which included examining codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at companies’ activities to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and working with consumer action groups for feedback and rating. ::Ethisphere Magazine
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This list makes me giggle..replete with disinformation. Their methodology doesn't seem to include externalities to society. Example: you can poll GE's suppliers all day long (who won't bite the hand that feeds them), but what about all the innocent civilians killed over the years by GE's weapon systems? I rather wish Treehugger would moderate the postings a bit more to ensure our time isn't wasted with this kind of drivel.
Fluff piece at best. There are many better ranking systems.
I am a representative for Ethisphere, and we actually did have Interface on our finalist list. However, after speaking with Interface, they asked to be removed from the process.
Ethisphere - sorry, your listing is a joke.
if these are the best corporate citizens you can find, you're not looking hard (or small) enough.
however, I do thank you for unwittingly pointing out how far multinationals have to go to reach a layman's standard of ethics.
I can see why Interface would choose to Alan Smithee out of the process -- it's called "guilt by association."
-d