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12.09.2008

Ethics: Best practises

Some businesses stand out from others as far as their attempts at good corporate governance and business ethics are concerned.

General Mills

In 2003 Business Ethics magazine ranked the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. General Mills, the Minnesota-based producer of cereals and other food products, ranked number one on the list. So what is this company doing that sets it apart from other companies?

At General Mills, the corporate culture is based on business ethics and corporate social responsibility. Employees are successful at being ethical because they follow their own standards and adhere to their core values. Employees are supplied with the company’s written code of ethics and are expected to uphold the values of the corporation:

• We strive for the highest quality in our products, services, and relationships.

• We set and maintain the highest standards for all aspects of our work.

• We advance and grow our businesses honestly and ethically, taking no shortcuts that might compromise our high standards.

• We comply with local laws in every nation where we operate. We recognize and respect the cultures, customs, and practices of our consumers and customers in nations around the world.

• We steer clear of conflicts of interest and work to avoid even the perception of conflict.

• We set very high expectations for ourselves—and for the integrity of our company. We will not compromise those standards.

• We deliver on our promises.

• We are ever mindful of the trust our consumers, customers, partners, and employees place in General Mills. We will never knowingly or willfully undermine that trust. (www.generalmills.com/corporate/about/ethics/)

Hewlett-Packard

Another company that has been recognized internationally for its outstanding corporate governance and ethics is Hewlett-Packard (HP), the computer and accessory manufacturer. HP has set high ethical standards to which employees are expected to adhere. Its core ethical values are:

• Honesty in communicating within the company and with our business partners, suppliers, and customers, while at the same time protecting the company’s confidential information and trade secrets.

• Excellence in our products and services, by striving to provide high-quality products and services to our customers.

• Responsibility for our words and actions.

• Compassion in our relationships with our employees and the communities affected by our business.

• Citizenship in our observance of all the laws of any country in which we do business, respect for environmental concerns and our service to the community by improving and enriching community life.

• Fairness to our fellow employees, stakeholders, business partners, customers, and suppliers through adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and a high standard of
behavior.

• Respect for our fellow employees, stakeholders, business partners, customers, and suppliers while showing willingness to solicit their opinions and value their feedback. (www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/ethics/index.html)

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