CEBC IN THE NEWS

Press Release

For Immediate Release
December 1, 2004

Contact: 

Bob Shoemake
Director of Programs and Operations
Phone: (651) 962-4127
Email: rcshoemake@cebcglobal.org

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The CEBC Integrity Measurement Program^SM, a powerful analysis of an organization’s ethical work environment, is being released by the Center for Ethical Business Cultures^® (CEBC) at the University of St. Thomas–Minnesota, a nonprofit organization focused on business ethics, and the international survey consulting firm Gantz Wiley Research (GWR). The program consists of two proactive employee survey tools: a 28-question CEBC Integrity Survey^TM providing senior management with an in–depth assessment of their organization’s ethical environment and a five–item index called the CEBC Integrity QuickCheck^TM that creates a high-level view of ethical corporate culture. More information about the tools is available from mail@cebcglobal.org or info@gantzwiley.com.

The measurement program is designed to help businesses not only gauge the ethical climate within their workplaces but also enable them to better act on ethical issues before they become major problems. Both of its instruments provide a credible and independent perspective on organizational climate, something that is increasingly demanded by regulatory frameworks like Sarbanes–Oxley, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the listing exchanges.

Powered by the surveying expertise of Minneapolis-based Gantz Wiley Research, the Integrity Survey and Integrity QuickCheck are analyzed and interpreted using the principles of the Gantz Wiley Research High Performance Model which links effective leadership, employee and customer satisfaction, and financial results. Results can be benchmarked for comparative results against WorkTrends^TM, GWR’s national database on employee perceptions. Data from WorkTrends 2004 show that only about half of employees across the nation believe that ethical issues can be discussed in the workplace without negative consequences, a statistic which has not changed since 1996. These consistently low numbers highlight the difficulties managers face in surfacing ethical dilemmas so they can be addressed before they lead to breakdowns.  WorkTrends also documents that while 71 percent of executives believe that senior leaders in their organizations practice ethical conduct, only 61 percent of supervisors and 43 percent of front line workers hold the same view.

“Business ethics is good for business and good for the bottom line,” says Ron James, CEBC’s President and CEO. “Evidence continues to mount highlighting the role of ethical culture in improving business performance while guarding against the risks associated with ethical breakdowns.”

James believes these survey tools will help businesses examine the ethical behavior in their cultures and take the appropriate steps to ensure and sustain their health. Both CEBC and Gantz Wiley Research credit the successful development of the program to a strong relationship between their organizations; a relationship based on shared values and a commitment to excellence. He believes the new program could help both partners better serve the needs of their customers.

“We value our close relationship with CEBC,” reflected GWR President & CEO, Jack W. Wiley, Ph.D.  “Our clients are committed to promoting an ethical culture, but most lack the tools they need to measure ethics within their workplace.  This new program is another way we can provide value to our clients – the kind of value that drives business performance to new levels and impacts the bottom line.”

The Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC) at the University of St. Thomas-Minnesota is a non-profit organization which assists business leaders in creating ethical and profitable business cultures at the enterprise community, and global levels. The Center’s assessment, consulting, and training services enhance the creation and maintenance of ethical cultures.

Founded in 1986, Gantz Wiley Research helps clients drive business performance through the strategic use of employee and customer input. Gantz Wiley Research is recognized as the leader in identifying and leveraging the links among employee opinions and customer satisfaction to drive improved business results.

Center for Ethical Business Cultures

1000 LaSalle Avenue, TMH 331 ▪ Minneapolis, MN 55403-2005 ▪ USA

Phone: 651 962 4120 or 800 328 6819 Ext. 2-4120 ▪ Facsimile: 651 962 4042

Email: mail@cebcglobal.org

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