If there is one thing embattled CEOs agree on in the aftermath of scandals that rocked Corporate America in recent years, it is the necessity of regaining public confidence in the integrity of the business community as a whole. In Building Trust, a new book published by the Arthur W. Page Society, 23 leading CEOs describe what they are doing to ensure accountability, openness and ethical behavior within their own organizations.

Representing some of the most important corporations in America, the chief executives are widely recognized and highly respected business leaders who have, throughout their corporate careers, adhered to the sound business practices and values that are essential to the success of any corporation. They have proven records of keeping intact the respect and admiration of their companies' key stakeholders: customers, employees, investors and communities.

It is, as John J. Castellani, president of Business Roundtable, writes in one of several testimonials to the book, “a refreshing look into the hearts and minds of America's business leaders.” Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, writes that it “represent(s) the true face of American business leaders who understand that honesty and trust are fundamental contributors to profitable companies and a vibrant free enterprise economy.” Leon E. Panetta, director of The Panetta Institute for Public Policy, called the book “an invaluable blueprint to the basic principles essential to building trust. Learn from these lessons,” he wrote, “and you will understand the fundamental values of American business.”

The CEOs explain how a set of enduring guidelines relating to concepts first articulated by Arthur W. Page in the 1930s and '40s helps them establish policies, practices and cultures aimed at building trust in their organizations. Page's admonitions, which have been distilled into a set of principles upon which the Arthur W. Page Society is centered, are: Tell the truth, Prove it with action; Listen to the customer; Manage for tomorrow; Conduct public relations as if the entire company depends on it; and lastly, Remain calm, patient and good-humored. For purposes of organization within Building Trust, Editor John A. Koten included another principle: A company's true character is expressed by its people.

Page served as vice president of public relations for the American Telephone and Telegraph Company from 1927 to 1946, becoming the first person in a public relations position to serve as an officer and member of the board of directors of a major public corporation. During the time he was at AT&T, it became the world's largest public corporation.

The CEOs whose essays appear in the Building Trust include Michael J. Birck, Tellabs, Inc; Art Collins, Medtronic, Inc.; Alexander M. Cutler, Eaton Corporation; Rich DeVos, Amway Corporation; Dr. E. Linn Draper, Jr., American Electric Power, Inc.; Michael L. Eskew, UPS; Louis J. Giuliano, ITT Industries, Inc.; Fred Hassan, Schering-Plough Corporation; Michael H. Jordan, EDS Corporation; and Dr. Henning Kagermann, SAP AG. Also included are Klaus Kleinfeld, Siemens Corporation; J. Wayne Leonard, Entergy Corporation; Edward M. Liddy, Allstate; Hank McKinnell, Pfizer, Inc.; William T. Monahan, Imation Corporation; Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Carlson Companies; Samuel J. Palmisano, IBM; Frederick M. Poses, American Standard Companies, Inc.; John W. Rowe, M.D., Aetna, Inc.; John W. Rowe, Exelon Corporation; Ivan Seidenberg, Verizon Communications, Inc.; Rick Wagoner, General Motors Corporation; and William C. Weldon, Johnson & Johnson.

The book is available at Amazon.com and can also be ordered through the Page Society Web site by clicking here.

About the Arthur W. Page Society

The Arthur W. Page Society is a professional association composed primarily of the chief communications officers (CCOs) of the world's top multinational corporations, and the CEOs of the world's largest public relations agencies. The organization's members also include academics from the leading business and communications schools.

The Page Society is dedicated to strengthening the management policy role of chief communications officers. The Page Society is upheld by management concepts, known as the Page Principles, which have been tested for more than half a century and have earned the support and respect of chief executive officers throughout the country. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Arthur W. Page Society.