Media Release

For Immediate Release

Dec. 18, 2009

Saint Mary's Prof Named to List of Most Influential in Business Ethics

For the second year in a row Saint Mary’s Philosophy professor Chris MacDonald has made the list of the 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics.

Compiled by the Ethisphere Institute, a think-tank dedicated to best practices in corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability, the list celebrates the accomplishments of 100 individual “that made a significant impact in the realm of business ethics” during 2009.

Some of the notable names on the list include U.S. President Barack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, Microsoft’s Bill Gates and General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt.

The accomplishments outlined include everything from the designing of sustainable packaging to uncovering billion dollar fraud schemes. Dr. MacDonald has been singled out in the area of Thought Leadership for the writing he produces on his blog, www.businessethicsblog.com.

 “MacDonald doesn’t seem to ever tire of writing about business ethics (or companies’ lack thereof). His blog, The Business Ethics Blog, continued to stay relevant throughout the year, publishing intelligent commentary on everything from business students to medical devices,” explains the magazine’s editors.

Dr. MacDonald said he’s gratified to be on the list. He said the honour underscores the value of what he has been doing since 2005.

Dr. MacDonald said he believes he is the lone Canadian on the list, but he can’t be certain because there are a few names and projects he does not recognize.

His blog provides critical insight into the business news stories of the day and helps people see that the world of business is ethically more complicated than most people recognize.

“I try to make it [business ethics] fun and accessible to a wide audience,” explained Dr. MacDonald. “I want to help people see that business ethics isn't all about scandals, or about stomping our feet at corporate wrong-doing: it's about understanding the real sources of corporate behaviour, both good and bad.”

More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.org.

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For More Information:

Steve Proctor
Saint Mary's University, External Affairs
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca