THE ETHICAL ISSUE EMPHASIS OF COMPANIES - CONTENT, PATTERNING, AND INFLUENCES

The study investigates the content and form of attention paid to ethic s issues by U.K. firms. It considers the extent to which ethical atten tion can be characterized in terms of broad domain groupings, correspo nding to company concerns with stakeholder groups, stewardship respons ibilities, intrinsic values, and the social order of the firm. Survey results from an industry-stratified sample of 299 U.K. firms indicate that attention to ethical issues is industry-specific and a function o f factors in the firm's operating environment. Of particular importanc e seem to be perceptions of public interest in the ethical conduct of management and staff, and in the social and environmental consequences of products and services. Results also indicate how companies manifes t their ethical interests in different ways, including expressed conce rn, internal and external communications, and new policy formulation. Patterns across these criteria suggest scope for deeper analysis of re lationships between ethical strategy, rhetoric, and action.