The Nordic Business Ethics Survey is a pioneering survey into employees’ views on ethics across multiple business sectors and job roles, which was conducted for the first time in 2019.

In 2024 edition the aim was to explore the impact of our formal E&C efforts in greater detail. Compliance professionals pay considerable attention to crafting robust policies, developing comprehensive training programs, implementing third-party due diligence processes, and establishing effective whistleblowing tools. We undertake these initiatives because we understand that they constitute essential components of an effective E&C program, as outlined by various regulatory guidelines. However, the challenge remains: how can we truly measure whether our programs are effective? What does success look like?

The survey highlights include:

• E&C programs positively impact employees’ experiences regarding workplace ethics when the workforce recognizes these elements. 
• Respondents who recognized E&C program elements reported better treatment, higher ethical leadership standards, and greater comfort in speaking up about managerial misconduct, mistakes, and ethical concerns. 
• The most significant finding of the study pertains to discipline: employees who believe that unethical behavior is addressed are significantly more likely to view their organization as ethical.
• To advance further, organizations should ensure that misconduct is appropriately addressed and that this commitment is clearly communicated throughout the organization.