The Most Ethical Companies In The World

We're so used to hearing about corporate scandals, lawsuits, and corruption today that it's easy to assume most companies bend the rules to their benefit. But it turns out that there are plenty of businesses that are giving back to the community through volunteer work, promoting ethical business standards, and being transparent about their corporate practices.

In an effort to honor those companies that are leading their industries in compliance, corporate governance, and social responsibility, the Ethisphere Institute released its eighth annual list of the World's Most Ethical Companies.

Thousands of companies from around the globe were nominated for this year's list. A total of 144 companies were ultimately selected, representing 41 industries in 22 countries.

To compile the list, Ethisphere, an independent research center that promotes best practices in corporate ethics and compliance, issued a survey with a series of multiple-choice questions that were intended to "capture a company's performance in an objective, consistent, and standardized way." Scores were then generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance programs; reputation, leadership, and innovation; governance; corporate citizenship and responsibility; and culture of ethics.

If and when a company's score warranted further consideration, Ethisphere relied on independent research, supporting documentation, and interviews with company leadership.

"Placement on this list helps companies attract and retain key stakeholders such as employees and customers," says Tim Erblich, CEO of the Ethisphere Institute. "This in turn helps companies drive growth and performance, especially as they expand into new markets around the world."

The final list, which includes 21 newcomers, is not a ranking. All selected companies are equally winners.

Here are the 144 most ethical companies in the world:

Click here to see the full list and methodology.