eBay Among World’s “Most Ethical Companies”

March 15, 2011

eBay Inc. has been recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a leading business ethics think tank. eBay is among 100 global companies chosen for the designation in a year with a record number of nominations for the award. Other companies on the list include Google, American Express, Starbucks, and PepsiCo. The results are based on an extensive review of companies’ social responsibility efforts, corporate governance and business practices.

“eBay Inc. is honored to be included in this year’s impressive list of Ethisphere’s Most Ethical Companies,” said John Donahoe, President & CEO, eBay Inc. “eBay was founded on the belief that strangers could trust and connect with one another through global commerce.  Building this trust requires a sustained commitment to doing business with the highest level of integrity.  This commitment is reflected not only in  our compliance and ethics programs, but also in our commitment to driving innovation in sustainable commerce and global citizenship. Our employees strive every day to make a difference and create opportunity for people around the world. I couldn’t be happier to see their passion and commitment recognized.”

This is the fifth year Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability, has published the WME rankings, which appear in Ethisphere Magazine’s Q1 issue.

“As companies strive to maintain a competitive advantage, good ethics translate into better business, and better business means better bottom lines.  eBay recognizes the important role that principled practices play in brand reputation, which ultimately is the most valuable asset for a corporation,” said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of the Ethisphere Institute. “Each year, the competition gets more intense for the World’s Most Ethical Companies and this year was no exception with a record number of organizations vying for this distinguished honor.  Ethisphere congratulates eBay on being one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2011.”

The methodology for the WME ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.

Read about the methodology and view the complete list of the 2011 World’s Most Ethical Companies at http://ethisphere.com/worlds-most-ethical-companies-rankings/.