How to Apply for the World’s Most Ethical Companies® Recognition
Showcase Your Commitment to Ethics and Integrity
The World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition honors organizations demonstrating commitment to ethical business practices, governance, and leadership. Applying provides the opportunity to earn recognition and offers valuable insights to strengthen your integrity program.
Request Application KitBeing a World’s Most Ethical Company Sets You Apart
Step
01
The Application Process
Download the Application Preparation kit to get a full understanding of how the application process works.
Request an Application: You can request an application any time during the year. Once you request an application you will receive a readiness kit and a timeline for this year’s application process.
Application request is approved and admin will gain access to the 2026 Application Portal in July 2025. All 2026 applications must be submitted by October 30, 2025.
Step
02
Complete the Ethics Quotient® (EQ) & Documentation
Applicants will complete the EQ, a proprietary questionnaire assessing key areas of ethical business practices, including:
- Culture of Ethics
- Corporate Governance
- Ethics & Compliance
- Third Party Management
- Environmental & Social Impact
As you complete the EQ questionnaire, submit documentation where required to support your responses, such as governance policies, ethics training programs, or reports on sustainability initiatives.
Step
03
Post-Application Review & Results
November 2025 – January 2026: Application Review
- Evaluation and Benchmarking: Ethisphere’s expert analysts review submissions, compare applications against peer organizations, and assess how your company aligns with best practices in ethical business leadership.
Late-January 2026: Decision and Insights
- The review team reviews all scores and selects the companies that will be honored as the World’s Most Ethical Companies, gaining global recognition and credibility. All applicants are informed of the 2026 decision.
- All applicants receive a scorecard and document scores that reflect their performance. Applicants are encouraged to utilize their scores to identify strengths and opportunities for enhancing their ethics and compliance programs.
March 2026: Public Announcement
- Companies that meet the criteria are named among the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies, gaining global recognition and credibility. Ethisphere publicly celebrates the 2026 class of Honorees.
The Value of Being Recognized
Earned recognition strengthens trust, reputation, and long-term success. Companies designated as a World’s Most Ethical Company benefit from:
01 Stronger stakeholder trust
Customers, employees, and investors value ethical leadership.
02 Competitive advantage
Research shows that ethics-driven companies outperform their peers.
03 Benchmarking insights
Gain a deeper understanding of how your ethics and compliance efforts compare to industry leaders and access guidance and resources for improvement.
Ready to Apply?
Join the World’s Most Ethical Companies—businesses that don’t just check the box, but redefine success through integrity.
Download Application Kit Request Your Application