By Linda Fisher Thornton
What do Deloitte, Strategy & PwC, Dow Jones, The Ethics Resource Center and LRN have to say about trends in business ethics? Get ready for some good news:
“A new era of the responsible enterprise may be here to stay.”
Chris Park and Dinah A. Koehler, “The Responsible Enterprise: Where Citizenship and Commerce Meet’, Deloitte University Press
“CEOs are increasingly seeking ‘good growth’ aligned with business ethics and sustainability.”
Dennis Nally, The Trust Agenda, Strategy and Business, PwC Strategy& Inc.
“NBES 2013 reveals substantial good news about the state of ethics in American workplaces.” “The steady and sharp drop in misconduct since 2007 suggests that something both fundamental and good is taking place in the way Americans conduct themselves at work. “
Ethics Resource Center, 2013 National Business Ethics Survey
“Fewer companies report ever having lost business to unethical competitors.”
Dow Jones Anti-Corruption Survey Report Results 2014
“Many steps forward, just a few back, and still a long way to go.”
LRN, 2014 Ethics and Compliance Program Effectiveness Report
While these reports hold very encouraging news, we must remember where we are. While overall business ethics is improving, it is improving from a low starting point. It will take more time and intentional effort to get to where we need to be.
Some business leaders have realized that proactive ethics meets constituent expectations, delights employees and leads to better overall organizational performance. These proactive ethical leaders build a culture based on high standards and positive ethical values and enable their organizations to live up to those standards every day. This is the future of business. Are your leaders ready?
10 Forces Fueling the Values-Based Leadership Movement
Developing the Ethical Leader of the Future
For more, see new book 7 Lenses and the 21 Question Assessment: How Current is My Message About Ethics?


© 2014 Leading in Context LLC
Great and edifying news, but greater achievements would be accomplished, if our leaders are given a total leadership re-orientation course. our society needs leaders that would lead by examples, leaders that could operate on the level of leadership by service, leadership by humility. leadership that sees the priority of the common good in achieving a set goal for the populace and leaders that operates silently at the background, and making things happen.
LikeLike
Agreed, @IVBEC2014. We have much work to do, but we more clearly see our destination.
LikeLike
Slow progress – but progress nonetheless!
LikeLike
Love this! It’s great news to hear.
LikeLike
Hey, nice post! I’m Cameron and I would really appreciate a follow back! Thanks!
LikeLike