Ethics in Business

Ethically-based businesses in Lancaster County deserve to be honored and recognized by our community for their contributions to our community.

That’s why in 2007, Samaritan began the Ethics In Business awards program, which highlights businesses, companies and organizations in Lancaster who are committed to operating ethically.

Employees or Lancaster County residents can recommend businesses and organizations each year for the award. After accepting the nomination, companies undergo an ethics audit that includes production of documents, an employee survey, and a half-day site visit and interviews.

The culmination of the process is an in-depth report presented to an anonymous selection committee made up of local business leaders. The committee uses these reports — and their professional experience — to select the award recipient based on the five criteria of integrity, fairness and justice, stewardship, life-enhancing and transparency.

The award recipient is announced at a banquet in the summer that also honors all nominees. All Final Nominees are provided with a Ethics In Business Final Nominee logo, the results of the employee survey, and one hour of consulting services from Samaritan Business Consulting.

In addition to this, the award recipient receives a video spotlighting their commitment to ethics from Natural Light Films.

In 2020, RLPS Architects was the Ethics in Business award recipient.

To learn more about the program, sponsorship opportunities or the nomination process, contact Bethany Georgia at bgeorgia@scclanc.org.

Click here to learn more about the 2021 Ethics in Business event.

Explanation of The Award Criteria

Integrity

To conduct business with a firm adherence to an ethical code including consistency of word, action, honesty and regard for the standards of one’s industry or profession.

Businesses and individuals might demonstrate this principle when they maintain a balanced and realistic sense of self; recognize and celebrate contributions and gifts of others; exemplify and model ethical behavior; ensure that actions are consistent with facts and policies; manifest trustworthiness; act with regard for the common good; and place principles before politics.

Fairness & Justice

To strive for equality and mutuality by treating employees and business relationships justly and with respect.

This principle might be demonstrated through fair pay policies and practices at all levels of the organization; by seeking and maintaining diversity in employees, managers and suppliers; by maintaining consistent equal opportunity policies and practices for hiring and advancement; by promoting open and honest business interactions; and by striving to meet the needs of the underserved.

Stewardship

To be careful and responsible in the management of something entrusted to one’s care.

Organizations may demonstrate this principle if they set in place responsible environmental policies and actions; endorse environmental programs; foster sustainability; exercise strong fiduciary responsibility; practice fair and principled fundraising policies; pursue socially responsible investment policies; coordinate activities, share resources, and take actions to build the capacities of others for the common good; create new economic opportunities to sustain and grow their business; create value; and promote a just economy.

Life-Enhancing

To conduct business in a way that advances life, increases and improves value, quality and desirability, and respects human rights.

This principle may be demonstrated when an organization encourages employee pursuit of enrichment activities outside of work; emphasizes health and health practices; works to give back to the community; strives to produce products and services that are life-enhancing; develops fair employment policies and practices; supports employees experiencing personal crisis; seeks to add and maintain diversity to the workplace; nurtures employees through staff training; promotes job training and skills building; and respects human rights.

Transparency

To be free from pretense, open and inclusive in its communications, responsible and accountable in its dealings, and loyal in its relationships.

This principle is visible when an organization promotes an inclusive strategic planning process; grants employees authority and responsibility to achieve strategic goals; develops mission statement and values that every employee knows, understands and lives by; maintains responsibility to shareholders including timely communication of and adherence to ethical standards, auditing and reporting procedures; maintains loyalty in its relationships to others and the community; and commits to open communication with all stakeholders.