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Starbucks and its CEO Recognized for Leadership

3/26/2014
In three separate announcements, the Ethisphere Institute, Fortune and Glassdoor recognize Starbucks and Schultz - the company's chairman, president and CEO.

For the eighth year in a row, Starbucks is one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies,” according to the Ethisphere Institute. Ethisphere announced the 2014 winners at a two-day Global Ethics Summit, a gathering of about 300 lawyers, corporate managers and executives who discuss ethics and compliance.

Companies are evaluated in several categories: Reputation, Leadership and Innovation; Ethics and Compliance Program; Governance; Corporate Citizenship and Responsibility; Culture of Ethics.

“Throughout our history, Starbucks has embedded acting ethically as a cornerstone to our culture and to how we work every day. Our partners (employees) are passionate about doing business the right way and it shows through the way we treat each other, our customers, business partners and communities,” says Matthew Swaya, Starbucks senior vice president, deputy general counsel and chief ethics and compliance officer.

Every year the career web site Glassdoor lists its "Highest Rated CEOs" based on company reviews submitted by employees. Schultz is number 8 on the 2014 list with a 93 percent approval rating from partners. Schultz moved up from 19th on the employee-rated survey for 2013 when he had a 92 percent approval rating.

“We find on Glassdoor that a strong leader is often one who has the ability to clearly communicate the vision for the company and who helps employees see how their work connects to the big picture. In addition, top-rated CEOs are commonly seen as relatable, accessible, and transparent,” says Robert Hohman, Glassdoor Co-Founder and CEO.

Schultz also makes Fortune’s first list of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” Pope Francis, leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, is number one. The pontiff is followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally. Fortune ranks Schultz number 29.

“A small Seattle coffee retailer has become 20,000 shops worldwide under Schultz's leadership, with many more planned," the magazine says of Schultz. "Crucially, he understood that he was creating an experience, not selling a product. Far ahead of most CEOs, he saw the value of offering medical insurance to all employees, even part-timers, and pursuing environmental and social projects that inspire employees and attract customers.”

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