On Monday’s Times Rio Tinto took a page to cover their support and activity in business ethics. Their energy for the subject started back in the ‘90’s when they recognised that their industry – mining – had a serious reputational problem. They were starting in deficit when it came to trust. And this reputational problem would impact their access to good people and capital markets. Enlightened self-interest. The debate hosted by Rio Tinto, in partnership with The Times and with a panel which included Sir Stuart Rose, and Philippa Foster Back OBE, Director of the Institute for Business Ethics concluded that Government intervention alone would not succeed in restoring business’ tarnished reputation. The behaviour of businesses and the importance they place on behaviour and reputation is more important. Wingivers believes that this starts with the character and leadership of the people who run businesses. The first people to experience leadership in an organisation are the employees and then the customers. Senior leaders have to make a connection between their action and behaviour, the reputation of the business and the response of employees, customers and prospective employees. Do they want to stay and behave like it’s their business too? Do they want to buy and then recommend? Do they want to join?
For more information on the debate supported by Rio Tinto see www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/rebuildingtrust/
For more information about Wingivers supporting performance and reputation starting on the inside contact us on hello@wingivers.com
