Business Ethics

I) Professional competences.

A. Outside the other functions.

The director of ethics in business is really a role apart. At first, I would simply highlight the fact that the ethics committee of a company depends on the executive: the ethic director take its orders from them and present regular reports to the executive committee into giving a global image of the company components. (In a subsidiary, the compliance officer may have to make a dual reporting to the Country Director and headquarters compliance function)

Because this post is not related to any work field, it is completely independent. However it is fully involved in the group policy, since keeping an eye on all the activities of the company: the ethics director stay always focused on the global vision of the group.

His role is therefore a set of observation activities, information research, analysis and recommendations above. His influence is global on the entire structure, although its role is very discreet for all employees.

It will then quickly take the role of a relay between the direction (order taking, reports, recommendations, advice), legal and political organizations (information gathering, corporate compliance with the rules in force in the countries, legal framework) and employees of the company (internal communication, advice, respect of ethics and ethical standards in term of discrimination or pressure). It will also take care of the well-being of the company, feel the social climate and be a special relay with the director of personnel.

In the end the director of ethics has an extensive role because it must constantly confirm the good behaviour of the whole company at all levels, so it has a significant impact on the values of the company. This is partly explained by the fact that ethical business practice are actually the result of a corporate culture that systematically