Strong E&C Programs: New Report Examines Key Characteristics

Working at the forefront of whistleblower advocacy, we have previously discussed the numerous ways companies hinder or actively retaliate against individuals who choose to bring corporate misconduct to light. In fact, according to the Ethics and Compliance Initiative’s National Business Ethics Survey, more than 1 in 5 respondents said they experienced retaliation after reporting internally. We also continue to witness companies developing new and sophisticated strategies to discourage employees from reporting possible violations. 
To be sure, though, the majority of companies want to behave ethically, and are potentially stymied by antiquated internal policies or a lack of guidance regarding appropriate and effective compliance measures. 

As part of its continued dedication to improving the current state of corporate ethics, last week the ECI released a new report which examines key characteristics of high-quality compliance and ethics programs. According to the report, common practices of organizations with strong ethics and compliance cultures include:

• Creating an environment in which employees are encouraged and able to speak up. Management in such organizations not only offers ample opportunity for employees to voice concerns, but also takes retaliation seriously through actively engaged HR, legal and compliance departments.
• Acting quickly and maintaining accountability when misconduct occurs. These organizations develop a plan of action in which suspicions are thoroughly investigated, and confirmed misconduct leads to consistent consequences, regardless of the employee’s position. 
• Treating compliance programs as central to business strategy. Misconduct poses dire business risks. As a result, an organization that is serious about ethics will ensure that the compliance department is not only responsible for meeting legal requirements, but also works to help management understand and establish integrity to benefit the organization’s overall mission. 

It is apparent that companies must demonstrate greater leadership in building ethical cultures, and we applaud the focus and continued work by the ECI to help advance this goal. In our ongoing effort to root out misconduct in the workplace, the ECI’s report provides a solid foundation of principles and practices on which we can continue to build.