Patricia J. Harned, Ph.D., President, Ethics Resource Center

Merck's commitment to ethics extends beyond the Company's boundaries. In 1995, The Merck Company Foundation entered into collaboration with the Washington-based Ethics Resource Center (ERC) to establish a series of independent ethics centers in various regions around the world. The centers facilitate dialogue and action related to ethical business and organizational issues of importance in the countries where the centers are located.

Founded in 1922, the Ethics Resource Center is America's oldest non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of high ethical standards and practices in public and private institutions. For 85 years, ERC has been a resource for institutions committed to a strong ethics culture. ERC's expertise also informs the public dialogue on ethics and ethical behavior. The organization analyzes current and emerging issues and produces new ideas and benchmarks that matter for the public trust.

Here is a discussion with Patricia J. Harned, Ph.D., President, Ethics Resource Center, on the value of the partnership between The Merck Company Foundation and ERC.

• Q: What has been the impact of the support your organization has received from The Merck Company Foundation?
• PH: Twelve years ago, few formal efforts were underway to promote integrity among private sector organizations in developing economies. Merck had the foresight to invest in a long-term sustainable solution—the creation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) “on the ground” that would be dedicated to fostering integrity and fighting corruption. Today, three Merck sponsored international centers exist in Colombia, South Africa, and Turkey. A fourth, originally established in the city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, is now located in Dubai and affiliated with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. These centers challenge business leaders in their contexts by providing training on ethics issues, developing curriculum for schools and educating the public on the importance of integrity in rule of law and business. Additionally, these centers have served as models for the creation of many other such NGOs around the world. In many ways, The Merck Company Foundation has helped to inspire the growth of a level playing field for business, and it has been a catalyst in the growth of the international ethics industry.
• Q: How has Merck Company Foundation support helped the Ethics Resource Center create sustainable solutions that address critical societal needs?
• PH: The Merck Company Foundation inspired the Ethics Resource Center (ERC) to think globally in envisioning the possibilities for our work. In partnership with The Merck Company Foundation, ERC has established partner centers around the world, and these centers are now part of a larger strategic effort by our center to advance high ethical standards in public and private institutions.
• Q: What is the value to your organization of your partnership with The Merck Company Foundation?
• PH: No matter how worthy the cause, non-profit organizations today are faced with a great challenge in finding foundations that are willing to support their missions, invest in their futures, and work together as partners to achieve results. ERC has been privileged to have found such a partner in The Merck Company Foundation over the years. Through its financial support, guidance, encouragement and challenge, The Merck Company Foundation has helped ERC to take a leading role in our field as the nation’s oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of high ethical standards and practices in public and private institutions.