Dear Readers,
The uncertainty of today’s business environment has unlocked new risks, opportunities and complexities as the world navigate the balance between economic benefit and corporate social responsibility. However, as companies like Parsons know well, those two factors are not in competition; they are aligned.
As businesses enter a new normal in a COVID-impacted world, the lesson we must all remember when weighing purpose versus social consciousness and ethical behavior is that one is not greater than the other. And if we approach them as competitors, everyone loses.
At Parsons, our Core Values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Diversity, Innovation, and Sustainability have remained our guiding principles for well over a decade without change and many were a part of the company’s values since establishment in 1944. Our commitment to these values and to our people is what drives our business success.
When Ralph Parsons founded our company in 1944, he noted that his ability to hire and retain good people would be key to the company’s success. He was right. Today, we continue carrying that mindset, which is why we are proud of being named by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 11 years in a row.
Ethisphere’s research illustrates a positive correlation between companies who earn status as a World’s Most Ethical Company and long-term performance against the large-cap index. As a future, more socially conscious generations enter the workforce, I believe that correlation will only become stronger.
Corporate responsibility is no longer window dressing; it is the table stakes in a corporation’s ability to recruit and retain talent and achieve business success.
Being a World’s Most Ethical Company is a great accolade that we at Parsons cherish. Making a real difference in our communities and our world is something we hold dear, and for which we will never compromise.
When I was asked to pen this letter for the Canada Edition of Ethisphere Magazine and serve as guest editor, I was happy to do so because I believe in the message that World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees, BELA members, and other ethics-minded organizations send to the global marketplace through our commitment to doing business with integrity.
This edition of Ethisphere Magazine is filled with interesting content from industry thought leaders, including Julianna Fox from WSP Global, who discuss the importance of a cascading leadership tone through open and honest dialogue.
Erin Legge from George Weston Ltd. talks about embedding compliance into day-to-day operations. There are other articles focusing on big data, building communities, artificial intelligence, and human rights from experts at Baker McKenzie, LLP; Sun Life Financial; and Intact Financial Corp.
On behalf of the entire Parsons family, thank you for your commitment to ethics in business. We hope you find the articles within this special publication of Ethisphere magazine insightful.
Sincerely,
Chuck Harrington
Chairman and CEO
