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Judging Overview
Entries to the Minnesota Business Ethics Award™ (MBEA) are sorted into three categories based on the number of employees in each company—small: less than 100 employees, mid-size: 100–500 employees and large: more than 500 employees—and judged based on the criteria established in the MBEA Judging Criteria. There are two rounds of judging, a preliminary round and a finalist round.
In the preliminary round, there are three panels of judges, one for each of the three sizes. Each panel is composed of five judges, three experienced business practitioners and two business ethicists from regional colleges and universities. These panels will review all of the entries in their size category and select up to three finalists in each category.
In the finalist round of judging, there is one panel, also composed of five judges, three business practitioners and two business ethicists. When possible each of the judging panels includes at least one representative from a company which has previously received the MBEA.
Judges
Judges for the MBEA are volunteers who serve without compensation. They are experienced business practitioners and business ethicists who are committed to raising the standards for ethical business practice in Minnesota.
Judges’ Orientation and Process
All judges are given an orientation to the MBEA, including a review of the MBEA judging criteria.
The preliminary panels for each business size category review all submissions for that category. The preliminary panels then select up to three entries that best meet the judging criteria for that business size category. The finalists from each preliminary panel are then submitted to the final panel for review and final selection.
At the judges’ discretion, the award may not be given in a particular category. The award will be given in any category in which there is at least one finalist.
Judging panels are assembled anew each year with emphasis on a different mix of individuals on each panel every year.
Judging Ethics
For the award process to be effective there must be unquestioned fairness and objectivity for all concerned.
- The decisions of the panels of judges are final.
- Judges are assigned so as to avoid conflicts of interest.
Confidentiality
All MBEA entry documentation is treated as confidential. Applicants are not expected to provide or reveal proprietary information regarding products, processes or services.
American Business Ethics Award
MBEA entrants from qualifying categories (nonprofits and financial services organizations are excluded) are forwarded to the American Business Ethics Award.