Ford recognized as among world's most ethical companies

Ford Motor Company has been recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a leading business ethics think tank.

Ford is among 100 global companies chosen for the designation from a field of thousands of companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries. Ford is the only automaker to receive the honor in 2010. The results are based on an extensive review of companies’ social responsibility efforts, corporate governance and business practices.

“Ford Motor Company is honored and pleased to receive this recognition,” said Ford executive chairman Bill Ford. “At Ford, we’re not only committed to making great products and building a strong business, we believe in contributing to a better world and doing business in an ethical way.”

This is the fourth year Ethisphere has published its list of the world’s most ethical companies. The firm is dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.

“Ford’s promotion of a sound ethical environment shines within its industry and shows a clear understanding that operating under the highest standards for business behavior goes beyond goodwill and lip service and is intimately linked to performance and profitability,” said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. “This year’s award was more competitive than ever, because companies realize that making ethics a priority is critical in a tough and unprecedented economic environment.”

The criteria researchers and analysts followed included:

• A review of each company’s codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories
• An evaluation of investment in innovation and sustainable business practices
• A look into activities designed to improve corporate citizenship
• Input through nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers

Information was provided to the Institute through formal questionnaires and through additional independent research.

“This honor underscores the efforts by the men and women at Ford Motor Company who diligently and consistently work every day to do the right thing on behalf of all of our stakeholders,” Bill Ford said.

The complete list of the 2010 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at http://ethisphere.com/wme-2010.