Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of judges composed of individuals with an expertise in business ethics and are drawn from the business, academic, public service, and media sectors. Entries are evaluated on the following criteria:

• A clear demonstration of the company's executive commitment to ethics as demonstrated by speeches or other correspondence and communications from the CEO and other senior officers to employees and/or customers. The company's story as it relates to a culture of strong business ethics is a key criterion.

  
  

• A corporate code of ethics, credo, code of conduct, mission statement or philosophy which demonstrates the company’s requirement for honesty, integrity and compliance with the law in all business dealings. An ethics policy or corporate philosophy that is unique and deserving of recognition is a key criterion.

  
  

• Clear communication of the company’s ethical standards, corporate culture and its expectations of employees in company publications, employee handbooks, training courses and other materials. An indication of how employees are measured for ethical business conduct, and how their compensation is tied to ethical conduct.

  
  

• A clear indication that employees throughout the organization understand and accept the company’s ethical standards as indicated by survey results or internal audits.

  
  

• A means for employees, customers and other parties to bring ethical problems or conflicts to the attention of management and a mechanism for resolution that ensures fair and consistent treatment of the parties involved. Specific examples of how this mechanism is used by employees and other company constituents and information on outcomes of ethical problems or conflicts is a key criterion.

  
  

• A narrative description of business ethics in action as demonstrated by the company’s response to a specific challenge affecting its operations or its industry, or by evidence of how ethical decision-making is a part of the company’s everyday operations, philosophy and culture.

  
  

• A consistently high quality of products and services, business and production practices, including demonstrated awareness of environmental impact, if appropriate.

  
  

• A corporate commitment to providing a work environment that is safe, free from harassment or inappropriate discriminatory behavior of any kind, and that fosters growth and opportunity.

  
  

• A community commitment that is demonstrated by involvement in local, regional and/or national issues, corporate philanthropy, support of civic and charitable endeavors through foundation grants, and/or contributions or gifts of time and materials.