Kao named as one of world’s most ethical companies, ten years in succession

The achievement is a particular highlight because since the award's inception in 2007, Kao is the only Japanese company that has received this recognition in each of the successive 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.

As part of the award process for the most ethical companies, the institute evaluated companies the world over in five categories:

• Ethics and Compliance Program
• Reputation, Leadership and Innovation
• Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility
• Governance
• Culture of Ethic

Kao’s continuous recognition was sparked in 2003 when it 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.

Kao says it has has since conducted  various training activities incorporating case studies that resonate in the individual countries to deepen the understanding and commitment among Kao Group employees globally.

Kao’s initiatives have also included a number of environmental and social issues that have been rolled into its business activities, as well as efforts to create a vibrant and diverse working environment.