Corporate Integrity Checkup

Your company is highly ethical, of course! But what about your partners?

Put any (large) company through this free checkup to compare their ethical health with others.  You can use the results as part of your due diligence process for partnering, or as the baseline measure for your own ethical fitness program.  (The checkup is worded as if you are examining your own company.)

Rate your company against the following 25 best practices in ethics management.  Answer according to your current situation, rather than the ideal or what you are hoping to become.  (Click here if you are concerned about the confidentiality of this ethics assessment.)

Code of Ethics Yes Not Sure No

1.

Our company has an up-to-date code of ethics (or ‘code of conduct’) that describes typical dilemmas in our industry, and defines ethical work practices.

2.

Our company's ethics policies have been developed in consultation with employees and other stakeholders.

3.

All employees undergo training in how to implement our code of ethics.

4.

Our company has published a set of values that reflect the expectation of ethical work practices.

5.

Our stated values recognize the importance of external stakeholders.
Dialogue Yes Not Sure No

6.

Questions of ethics are openly discussed in our company.

7.

Our people have a safe source of guidance (i.e. other than their boss!) if they have a question about ethics or law.

8.

Our people have recourse to a confidential third party (such as an Ombuds office) if they perceive any wrongdoing by their peers or superiors.

9.

Our strategic planning process includes a discussion of personal and corporate values.

10.

The company's impact on a wide range of external stakeholders is considered as part of our strategic planning process.
Leadership & Empowerment Yes Not Sure No

11.

Our company's commitment to ethics is reflected in specific actions, and not just rhetoric.

12.

Our managers demonstrate their understanding that ethical integrity trumps other business demands.

13.

There are clear consequences for those who do not adhere to our stated ethics policies.

14.

Our people are encouraged to accurately portray the limitations as well as the benefits and features of our products/services.

15.

Our managers (or other staff) are authorized to withdraw a product/service if it is found to be hazardous to public health or safety, or conflicts with our code of ethics.
Human Resources Yes Not Sure No

16.

People in our company are well equipped to recognize and resolve ethical issues in our business.

17.

Ethical integrity is a critical factor when hiring and promoting people.

18.

Formal opportunities are provided for our people to review ethical issues with their peers, such as in orientation and training programs or facilitated meetings.

19.

Managers and executives receive extensive training in ethics as part of our leadership development program.

20.

Our managers are evaluated on their commitment to ethics, as well as other aspects of performance.
Systems Yes Not Sure No

21.

Our incentive system (pay and career advancement) does not provide rewards for unethical behavior. [Take a moment to think about this one!]

22.

Our incentive system does not penalize ethical behavior, even if it costs us time, money or potential business. [Another tricky question!]

23.

Our company systematically verifies the accuracy of claims made to customers about our products/services.

24.

Our key suppliers are systematically monitored for product quality, product safety, and humane work practices.

25.

Our Board of Directors has approved mechanisms to ensure compliance with our code, and a schedule to revise the code on an ongoing basis.



If you scored:

  
15 to 25 Well done! You're healthier than many other corporations. But of course there's always room for improvement managing ethics. Contact us at email when you need outside help. 

0 to 15 Pretty good score! But as you can see, you could be a lot healthier when it comes to managing business ethics. Contact us at email to improve your company's score. 

Less than 0 It looks like you enjoy living dangerously! If not, we suggest you get medical attention a.s.a.p. to improve your score. Contact us at email to arrange a house call. 

For immediate ideas on what a board can do to foster ethics, read Five Questions That Corporate Directors Should Ask on the UBC Centre for Applied Ethics website.


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