Ethisphere hands Ford seventh award

FORD has chalked up its seventh consecutive ethical business award from international ethics institute Ethisphere, and is the only car-maker among the 131 top global companies recognised in the 2016 list.

Now in its tenth year, the global award assesses the world's major organisations for transparency, integrity and ethics, with only the best performers making the final World's Most Ethical Companies list.

Clocking up seven awards in a row, Ford is the most decorated vehicle manufacturer by Ethisphere, which commended the North American automotive giant in the areas of compliance, corporate citizenship and responsibilities, culture of ethics, governance and leadership and reputation.

Ethisphere is a global authority in the definition and advancement of ethical business codes of practice, and honours companies from all sectors in the annual list.

For the 2016 honour roll, Ford was one of just three representatives from the automotive industry, joining diesel engine specialists Cummins and technology supplier Delphi Automotive in the final ranking.

With seven gongs to its name, Ford is the clear Ethisphere champ but other car brands have been selected for the award in previous years. Toyota and BMW featured on the 2009 list, Honda made the grade in 2008 and Volvo had its moment in 2007.

Far more than an attractive piece of glassware for the trophy cabinet, Ford says consumers are increasingly rating the trustworthiness of large multinational organisations as an important aspect of their purchasing decisions, and the Ethisphere award bolsters its brand power.

“More than half of respondents to the 2016 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient said they learn more about a company before deciding to do business with them,” it said in a statement. “More than one-third decided not to do business with a company if they perceive the business has a negative reputation.” Ethisphere CEO Timothy Erblich said the car-maker had been singled out for its focus on trust.

“Ford understands that trust is the cornerstone of everything it does, and their commitment to being an active part of a global community helps explain why they are the only auto-maker Ethisphere has recognised every year since 2010,” he said. “Being honoured for the seventh time is no small achievement.

“This honour celebrates our employees who are committed to doing the right things and making the right choices,” said Ford Motor Company executive chairman Bill Ford. “Ethics and corporate citizenship are the foundation of what drives us to make people’s lives better.” Two Australian companies were also awarded in the 2016 index, with National Australia Bank (NAB) and the Teachers Mutual Bank mentioned among companies from all regions of the globe.