That action might seem a bit drastic, especially considering how much time, energy, and even money electronics companies put into nurturing business relationships with suppliers these days. But consider, too, that today's electronics companies outlay millions and even billions of dollars annually to their suppliers. There can be no doubt that decisions are made for business reasons, not personal ones. That's why today's companies are putting such a focus on ethics, with formal ethics offices, guidelines, and training, and are even extending this education to suppliers. Skooglund added that a lot of individuals and companies make the mistake of looking at ethics as something that is important only because it can keep them out of trouble.
Ethics is the basis of any solid working relationship.
If you have trust, you have a much more cooperative and efficient process. Since purchasers tend to be the most common link between a company and its outside supply base, they have always had to put a high priority on maintaining high ethical standards in all their business relationships. In fact, for several years running, purchasers responding to EBN's Salary and Opinion Survey have rated ethics as the most critical issue they face. While the emphasis on ethics in purchasing has been consistent through the years, what has changed is the nature of the challenges purchasers confront. The movement to a more integrated supply chain management model requires purchasers to work much more closely with suppliers, making it more difficult to maintain the necessary professional distance.