A Case Study of Unilever Corporate Governance and Ethics Student Name: Saptamy Sasidharan Student ID: 23295295

A Case Study of Unilever Corporate Governance and Ethics Student Name: Saptamy Sasidharan Student ID: 23295295.

[Audio] Unilever is a globally known company with a product-portfolio of food, beverages, personal care and home care brands. Through this study, Unilever's governance structure, the decision-making process and ethical policies are looked into. Aside from examining the company's environmental awareness and reports concerning the company's relationship with stakeholders (employees, consumers, etc) and investors, it also assesses them for regulatory compliance, controversies, etc. The analysis gives us some understanding of how corporate governance affects multinational corporations..

[Audio] Unilever has a one-tier board with executive and non-executive directors. The Chairperson heads the board, while the CEO oversees work daily. All the Executive and Non-Executive directors show no favouritism. Formulating the corporate policies, managing the risks and keeping in its ethical business practices are the jobs of the board. To maintain transparent and accountable governance, several other committees such as the Audit, Compensation, Corporate Responsibility and Nomination Committees exist..

[Audio] Unilever is known to practice ethical business and sustainable business. In 2010, Unilever launched its Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, which addresses the three chosen environmental, social welfare and sustainable growth priorities. Its core efforts aim at reducing carbon emissions and use of renewable energy, brought all along the supply chain ethically. The Fairtrade Foundation and other organizations are partners of the company with whom they work to support smallholder farmers and promote responsible sourcing..

[Audio] Unilever is a multinational corporation working in a complex regulatory environment. The company adheres to laws about environmental impact, product safety and fair labour practices. Regulations are made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adhere to food safety standards and ethically maintain employment. Unilever addresses these issues to strengthen its reputation of being a responsible corporate..

[Audio] Unilever is open to the feedback of investors, employees, consumers, regulatory bodies and other such groups. Employees want fair wages, career development, and diversity, whereas the shareholders seek strong financial performance. Unilever's innovation is encouraged by consumers who demand ethically produced and sustainable products. All laws concerning the environment, labour and safety are enforced by governments and regulators. Through its efforts in balancing ethical concerns with profitability, the company maintains favourable relationships with its stakeholders and reinforces its credit as a leader in responsible business practices..

Reference. ‌Jean, G. (2024). Supply Chain Human Rights and Ethical Sourcing. [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384371435_Supply_Chain_Human_Rights_and_Ethical_Sourcing. [ Accessed on 25 Mar. 2025] ‌Modern slavery statement. (2023). Available at: https://www.unilever.com/files/aef9543c-292b-4f0e-bee9-c5b5ff6d6d28/2884-unilever-modern-slavery-statement-2023-130323-ac.pdf. [ Accessed on 25 Mar. 2025] Unilever (2023a). Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. [online] careers.unilever.com. Available at: https://careers.unilever.com/diversity-and-inclusion. [ Accessed on 25 Mar. 2025] Unilever. 2025a. At a glance. Available at: https://www.unilever.com/our-company/at-a-glance/ [Accessed 25 Mar. 2025]. Unilever. 2025b Our leadership. Available at: https://www.unilever.com/our-company/our-leadership/ [Accessed 25 Mar. 2025]..

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