OREANDA-NEWS. It takes more than a few company policies to be held as an example of how to do business the right way. It takes more than a couple of company leaders to increase an ethical reputation. What it takes is a strong ethical culture that is so fully intertwined with everyday business practices that doing the right thing is never questioned.

At 3M, ethical standards are woven throughout the science-based company’s core, from its Company Vision, to its Code of Conduct and the Leadership Behaviors that all employees must demonstrate in their annual review. 3M’s ethical culture has strengthened during its 114-year history and is setting an example for businesses around the world.

“3M’s people are the champions for our Code of Conduct and embody the company’s longstanding commitment to ethics and integrity,” said Kristen Ludgate, 3M’s vice president, Associate General Counsel and chief compliance officer. “Together, 3M teams create trust with customers and value for shareholders by doing business the right way, every day and everywhere in the world. Our Code of Conduct is a core part of 3M’s business playbook and is integral to advancing 3M’s corporate vision to improve every life.”

This is why Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical practices in business, has listed 3M as a World’s Most Ethical Company for a third year in a row. The organization recognizes companies who align principle with action, work tirelessly to make trust part of their corporate DNA, and in doing so shape future industry standards by introducing tomorrow’s best practices today.

“3M’s 100-plus years demonstrate a sustainable business advantage that is supported by their values and commitment to ethics and innovation,” explained Ethisphere’s Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Erblich. “They clearly understand their role in the broader global business community and recognize the value of operating with integrity. Congratulations to everyone at 3M for being recognized as a 2016 World's Most Ethical Company.”

Ethisphere assesses companies around the world in five categories: ethics and compliance program, citizenship and corporate responsibility, culture of ethics, governance, and leadership, innovation and reputation. 3M scored high marks in all categories, but particularly well in citizenship and corporate responsibility.

The full list of the 2016 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at: http://worldsmostethicalcompanies.ethisphere.com/honorees

You can learn more about 3M’s Code of Conduct at: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/businessconduct/bcmain/

About 3M

At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.