News & Events

Caterpillar Selected as One of the "World's Most Ethical Companies"

Caterpillar Inc. has been recognized as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for 2009 by Ethisphere Magazine.  99 companies were selected for this year’s prestigious recognition from nominations of companies in over 100 countries and 35 industries.

Criteria for the selection dealt with corporate citizenship and responsibility, corporate governance, innovation that contributes to public well being, industry leadership and executive leadership and tone from the top.  Also used as criteria are legal, regulatory and reputation track record, plus internal systems and ethics/compliance programs.

In an excerpt from Ethisphere Magazine, Ed Scott, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Caterpillar, says that the ethics at Caterpillar start at the top, beginning with CEO Jim Owens. “Our leaders work to ensure that Our Values in Action [Caterpillar’s Code of Conduct] are part of everyday life at Caterpillar,” says Scott. “They take various opportunities to incorporate Our Values in Action into their communications. In turn, Caterpillar employees are expected to know and live by Our Values in Action.”

For more on Caterpillar’s recognition and the full “World’s Most Ethical Companies” list, visit Ethisphere Magazine online at www.ethisphere.com.

The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. The Institute’s associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes over 200 leading corporations, universities and institutions. The Ethisphere Council is dedicated to the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities.

Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the Institute.  The magazine has an established mission, “to help corporate executives guide their enterprises toward gaining market share and creating sustainable competitive advantage through better business practices and corporate citizenship. Thought-provoking, entertaining, informative and at times irreverent, Ethisphere Magazine is the must-read publication for all things ethics and compliance”.

More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.org.