Business Ethics Trends

The Business Ethics Report 2009, published by the Ethics Resource Center at Ethicspoint.com, shows that while business ethics improved during the recession, there is concern about sustaining that improvement when the economy improves.

2009 Business Ethics Study by the St. James Ethics Center and Beacon Consulting is full of relevant information for business leaders, and includes a survey about what people think ethics is.

The strong messages to emerge include: the fundamental importance of a principles-based approach around trust, integrity, respect, responsibility, consistency, values, human rights; and the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to responsible business practice beyond just the shareholder or owner (48.8%) – to include clients and other stakeholders (88.7%), employees (87.7%), the environment (83.1%), the communities within which business operates (75.4%), the global community (56.5%).”

2009 Business Ethics Study, St. James Ethics Center and Beacon Consulting

While businesses are adapting to the changing economy and changing consumer expectations about corporate ethics, the consumer trend is toward “more moderate and ethical spending” according to market research organization Mintel quoted in Foodanddrinkeurope.com.

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