What hallmarks distinguish “high performing” ethics and compliance programs from “low performing” programs? A new benchmark report published last week offers some valuable answers to that question.

Many E&C surveys and programs focus on check-the-box metrics—policies, hotlines, training, and auditing—as an adequate basis of measuring program effectiveness. None of these metrics, however, really speak to whether the company has an effective E&C program.

Jaclyn Jaeger is a freelance contributor to Compliance Week after working for the company for 15 years. She writes on a wide variety of topics, including ethics and compliance, risk management, legal,...