In 2002, the Business Ethics Awards was established by the BBB of Greater Arizona and its Foundation to recognize firms whose business practices and related activities exemplify BBB’s mission and principles of promoting the highest ethical standards of business conduct. In addition to honoring local firms annually, the program raises awareness of marketplace ethics and encourages businesses to operate with integrity.
The annual Business Ethics Awards program begins each summer with a call for nominations from consumers and businesses. Nominated companies who meet minimum entry criteria are invited to apply.
Applicants for the BBB Business Ethics Awards will be judged by an independent, volunteer panel of community leaders. Areas to be considered include:
Criteria 1: Leadership Commitment to Ethical Practices
Criteria 2: Communications of Ethical Practices
Criteria 3: Organizational Commitment to Ethical Practice
Criteria 4: Organizational Commitment to Performance
Management Practices
Criteria 5: Organizational Commitment to Ethical Human
Resource Practices
Criteria 6: Organizational Commitment to the Community
Fifteen finalists are chosen to participate in an in-person interview, which gives applicants an opportunity to bring their application to life by providing more information on their company and why they should be considered for a Business Ethics Award. Ultimately, five winners are selected, one in each of the five categories based on the company’s size of business.
Award winners are then eligible for the National BBB Ethics Awards Program where they compete with companies from across the United States and Canada.