Cross-functional team is key to preparing an application that demonstrates Elbit America’s commitment to ethical business practices

Oct. 31, 2024

By Jack Chapman, Elbit America Trade Compliance and Ethics Intern

The World’s Most Ethical Companies® award, presented by Ethisphere, recognizes companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to ethical business practices, corporate governance, and social responsibility.

For Elbit America, being recognized as one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies is a testament to the values embedded in every aspect of our operations.

Leading this effort is DeAnna Schuler, Senior Manager of Ethics and Compliance. DeAnna has been driving the Ethisphere application process for the past three years, contributing to the company's total of six awards received since 2014.

But what does it take to build an award-winning World’s Most Ethical Companies application, and how does it reflect our company’s culture?

The comprehensive application process

At the heart of Ethisphere’s application is the Ethics Quotient (EQ), the formal application document administered by Ethisphere. The EQ is not just a questionnaire—it’s the foundation of the entire submission process.

This in-depth document evaluates areas such as governance, ethics training, and risk management. Each year, the EQ is updated to reflect new ethical standards, making it crucial to stay ahead of these evolving expectations.

While the EQ is the core application, the real challenge lies in gathering and organizing the necessary information to answer its detailed questions.

“Each year, the EQ process challenges us to think critically about how we’re aligning with best practices,” says DeAnna. This involves gathering and documenting evidence from departments like finance, HR, compliance, and supply chain, ensuring that each answer is backed up with concrete examples.

The big lift: Data collection, collaboration, and writing

Building the application is a highly collaborative process. Cross-functional team members contribute their expertise to ensure each section of the EQ reflects the company’s commitment to ethics. The interconnectedness of our teams is essential in achieving this.

“Collaboration is key,” DeAnna explains. “We rely on subject matter experts to gather accurate data and insights.”

The writing process is where the broader picture comes together. Each section tells a story that captures how we uphold ethics and values at every level. The responses go through multiple rounds of review to ensure they align with the company’s mission and values. “The writing process is about showing how we live our values every day,” DeAnna says. This involves turning raw data into compelling narratives that reflect our company’s strengths.

It’s a “big lift” for everyone involved, DeAnna says. Regular touchpoints, reviews, and revisions are needed to refine the submission, underscoring the importance of teamwork.

Commitment to excellence and reputation

Applying for the World’s Most Ethical Companies award isn’t just about compliance; it’s about reflecting the company’s core values and reinforcing our reputation. In 2024, Elbit America was the only honoree in the aerospace and defense industry, a distinction that reflects our continued dedication to conduct business ethically.

This recognition has been instrumental in building trust with key customers and partners, particularly within the U.S. government and military sectors, DeAnna says.

The World’s Most Ethical Companies award validates Elbit America’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, which plays a crucial role in securing contracts and fostering long-term relationships with clients.

Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing our company’s reputation for ethics and compliance, DeAnna says. “Even if you aren’t a leader by title, you can be an ethical leader by demonstrating our values every day.”

Learn more about Elbit America's 2024 World's Most Ethical Honor at https://www.elbitamerica.com/news/elbit-america-named-one-of-worlds-most-ethical-companies-in-2024.