Kao : Named One of the 'World's Most Ethical Companies' for Ten Consecutive Years

2016/03/08

Kao Corporation today announced that it has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as a 2016 World's Most Ethical Company. Since the award's inception in 2007, Kao is the only Japanese company that has received this recognition for ten straight years.

The World's Most Ethical Companies is an annual recognition bestowed on companies that have achieved significant results for corporate transparency, integrity, ethics and compliance. The institute has surveyed and evaluated companies the world over in five categories: 1) Ethics and Compliance Program; 2) Reputation, Leadership and Innovation; 3) Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility; 4) Governance; and 5) Culture of Ethics to select the World's Most Ethical Companies.

In 2003 Kao implemented the Kao Business Conduct Guidelines, a business code of conduct that sets forth specific rules to put the Kao Way, Kao's corporate philosophy, into practice. Since then, Kao has been conducting various training activities incorporating case studies that resonate in the individual countries to deepen the understanding and commitment among Kao Group employees globally. In its code of conduct, Kao commits to strive to be an honest and exemplary company, guided by sensible and fair actions and driven by a fundamental adherence to ethical principles that go beyond mere compliance with laws to earn the true respect of all stakeholders.

In addition to these approaches, Kao has also been highly evaluated for its proactive involvement in contributing to preservation of the global environment, for taking on societal issues through its business activities, and for its efforts at creating a vibrant and diverse working environment in accordance with the Kao Sustainability Statement.

Kao will take the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the Ethisphere Institute's World's Most Ethical Companies recognition to return to its roots, which include a strong commitment to the Kao Way and the Kao Business Conduct Guidelines. All employees are asked to confirm that the Kao Way is reflected in their everyday work as only when this is accomplished can Kao maximize the collective strength of the entire group. Through these activities, Kao will continue to endeavor to contribute to a sustainable society, while striving for the wholehearted satisfaction and enrichment of the lives of people globally.