strategy

Developing value codes for business

Synonyms:
Restoring business ethics
Building ethical business infrastructure
Evaluating corporate responsibility
Fostering commercial code of conduct
Description:

Developing business ethics and accountability in areas such as (a) responsibility for preserving the natural environment; (b) embodying values of community, cooperation, participation and empowerment; (c) ethically appropriate conduct in foreign cultures; and (d) moral dimensions of business relations and leadership.

Implementation:

Ethics incentives are being undertaken by such business organizations as Keidanren in Japan and Confindustria in Italy, and the Conference Board in the USA.

In 1996, the Body Shop International plc published a four-part Values Report that represents an attempt to move beyond environmental reporting to a level that addresses broader social and ethical issues.

In the last decade, more and more businesses have adopted human rights guidelines and practices. The Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies, for example, claims to have become a corporate leader in promoting human rights standards.

Claim:

The corporate world must take a stronger stand on human rights issues and be prepared to pull out of countries led by abusive regimes. Businesses should exert pressure on governments and local partners to respect international human rights norms.

Type Classification:
F: Exceptional strategies
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 1: No PovertyGOAL 2: Zero HungerGOAL 3: Good Health and Well-beingGOAL 4: Quality EducationGOAL 5: Gender EqualityGOAL 6: Clean Water and SanitationGOAL 7: Affordable and Clean EnergyGOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthGOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureGOAL 10: Reduced InequalityGOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesGOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionGOAL 13: Climate ActionGOAL 14: Life Below WaterGOAL 15: Life on LandGOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong InstitutionsGOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal