Past Speakers

"Restoring Integrity: The Role of Human Resources in Building an Ethical Culture"

Presented by Ron James, President and CEO, Center for Ethical Business Cultures

This presentation will focus on the need for organizations and their leadership to embrace the building and nurturing of ethical and profitable cultures. Mr. James will highlight several high profile corporate breakdowns resulting from ethical lapses and how they have influenced redefining organizational norms and regulations. Survey and research data will be presented that underscores the need for Human Resources executives to take the lead in building an organization's ethical culture. Working off the premise that an ethical culture increases an organization's financial performance and reduces its' exposure to ethical lapses that cause breakdowns, Mr. James will emphasize the role Human Resources has in fostering an ethical environment where:

leaders "walk the talk"
leadership is engaged in restoring integrity and stakeholder trust
building an ethical culture is based on mission, vision and values
ethical principles are integrated into all processes of an organization.

About the presenter
Ron James serves as President and CEO of the Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC). A non-profit business organization, the Center assists business leaders in creating ethical and profitable business cultures at the enterprise, community and global levels. James has previously served as President and CEO of the Human Resources Group, a division of Ceridian Corporation. He was also Minnesota's top Executive Officer for US West Communications, Inc. James currently serves as a member of the Great Hall Board and Allina Hospitals and Clinics; the Board of Greater Twin Cities United Way, and the Board of the Guthrie Theater. In addition, James has been appointed to an Advisory Group of the United States Sentencing Commission and has participated in President Bush's Economic Summit focusing on Corporate Responsibility.