Our research into a company's politics is divided into 4 main areas:
Anti-Social Finance
Some companies avoid paying tax, but make huge profits. Others have been criticised for fixing prices, insider
trading or paying bribes.
We also include 'excessive director's pay' over £1 million under this section. Why? Well, just because
we think it's unfair for directors to receive such large payouts.
Boycott Calls
Companies may have boycotts called against them for lots of different reasons. At Ethical Consumer,
we report on all the boycotts we receive
which have a registered headquarters, although we don't necessarily endorse them.
Some campaign groups think that boycotts aren't a good idea in case a company
withdraws its business from a factory overseas as a result thus causing lots of workers to lose their jobs
and livelihood. Others believe they can be very effective. We think it's up to you where you spend your money.
Genetic Engineering
Some of the world's leading genetic engineering companies have lobbied their governments for specific trade
rules which now govern the cross-border transfer of genetically modified (GM) crops, most notably, patents.
Campaigners have argued that patenting crops reduces the ability of poorer farmers to save seeds for future
use, as it enables a company to own the rights to re-use seed.
These companies have also lobbied against
international biosafety standards to govern the potential environmental impact of GM crops in case these
standards restrict a company from exporting its GM crops.
Political Activity
We think that companies have too much influence over governments through lobby groups or donating to the
parties themselves.
There are negate marks for companies that donate money to political
parties, or companies involved in persuading governments and institutions,
through international lobbying organisations, to change policy.
Download a pdf of the full detailed definitions of all the categories
we use to rate companies.
