When the government lacks clear policies to prevent corruption, the responsibility falls on companies. This means that companies, regardless of the legal framework, must establish their own standards," says Fernando Sentíes, a Mexican business man and CEO of AMITAI, an alliance for business ethics in the Americas.

Sentíes points out that 80% of small and medium-sized enterprises lack an integrity program, which will help them link up with larger firms who are beginning to understand the importance of political factors on their businesses.

Ethical companies are, in his view, highly valued for conducting business and are also in high demand among the new generations now entering the job market. Following an ethical codex bolsters companies’ reputation, reduces risks, improves their standing with millennials who want to work for companies aligned with their values and vision.

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