Code of Ethics

Caterpillar, Inc. has a very comprehensive and detailed Code of Ethics.  It was first published in 1974 and defines what they stand for and believe in as a company.  The Code of Ethics documents the high ethical standards that Caterpillar has held since their founding in 1925.  It also acts as a guide for the employees of Caterpillar to put the values and principles, described in the Code of Ethics, in to action.  It goes into great detail about the core values of the company, which are: Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Commitment.  The Code of Ethics is 35 pages long and includes topics such as interactions with distributors, laws in which the company complies with in their worldwide activities, and how each employee is personally responsible for enhancing the stockholder value.  It also goes into topics like conflicts of interest, whistle-blowing, and the responsibility of the leaders to set an example and "live by the code."  The Code of Ethics has played a large role in the ethical success that Caterpillar has had.  They have been able to be a socially responsible organization and will continue to do so in the future because of their detailed Code of Ethics.