About
The Ethics Conversation was founded in 2021 to provide ethics specific workshops, coaching and commentary that are tailored to the New Zealand marketplace.
From developing workshops for the finance sector to dedicating resource into the NZX review of its 2017 Corporate Governance Code the Ethics Conversation has been fully engaged in supporting ethical culture and governance.
In 2021 and 2022 The Ethics Conversation undertook a report on the Codes of Ethics (or Conduct) of the S&P / NZX50. These reports were ground breaking in that they provided assessment and insight into how ethical governance was being played out across New Zealand’s biggest stocks by free float capitalisation.
The research identified that over 70% of listed companies have CEO’s that neither personally nor professionally champion ethical culture. It remains a concern. Further, only 22% of the S&P / NZX50 report on any ethics training that is undertaken a per the requirements of the NZX Corporate Governance Code Principle 1, Recommendation 1.
Principle 1 – Ethical Standards
“Directors should set high standards of ethical behaviour, model this behaviour and hold management accountable for these standards being followed throughout the organization.”
Recommendation 1.1
The board should document minimum standards of ethical behaviour to which the issuers directors and employees are expected to adhere (a code of ethics).
The code of ethics and where to find it should be communicated to the issuers employees. Training should be provided regularly.
This governance issue is one that is being heightened as ESG criteria continues to influence investment.
Across the months that followed Jane worked to coordinate interested parties and lifted the profile of the submission request across ethical fund managers and governance groups.
Creating a stronger understanding of the role business ethics has and how to leverage ethics in a leadership sense is an area that is slowly unfolding. Handbrakes are everywhere and seen in attitudes of defensiveness and denial. This is what drives and keeps The Ethics Conversation on board with topical and frequent commentary on ethical lapses and opportunities to improve.
The Ethics Conversation subsequently led the submission jointly prepared by Dr Rodger Spiller Money Matters and Barry Coates, Mindful Money. Almost all of the changes put forward were implemented.
View the NZX Corporate Governance CodeJane Arnott MNZM
Founder Jane Arnott MNZM has been presenting, writing and researching ethical governance for over 15 years. Within the New Zealand business marketplace Jane’s credentials are unique. Across health, finance, engineering and with a dedicated public sector workshop on speaking up, delivered through a Victoria University of Wellington subsidiary, Jane has earned respect and been recognised for her commitment to ethical engagement across the business spectrum.
She is an adjunct research fellow for the Brian Picot Chair in Ethical Leadership, School of Management, Victoria University of Wellington. In 2021 became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Jane led the market development of the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE), UK in New Zealand. She was appointed IBE Country Manager and Associate in 2008 a role she held for over 10 years. She has spoken at ethics conferences and workshops in the United States, Spain and UK.
Craig Dowling ASSOCIATE
In joining as an Associate Craig supports and advocates for the significant role The Ethics Conversation plays in enhancing the place of ethics, speaking up and values-based decision making in organisational culture. Craig is strong in his belief that a focus on ethics, including articulating and embedding core values in processes and training, underpins a flourishing society. He has formerly worked in public affairs and communication roles in the public and private sector and across renewable energy, transport logistics, banking and finance and insurance industries. His other advocacy work has included campaigning for a young family battling local government and over known flood risks in a (wrong)fully consented sub division. Craig’s volunteer work has included support for a young New Zealander’s social and community skills programme for women in Kenya, and building capability through e-mentoring staff at a not-for-profit operating in Timor-Leste.
