Acompany's value statement and code of ethics are the most important factors determining its reputation with customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, and society at large. e. should always be made a prominent and visible part of the company's strategic intent and strategy. serve the valuable purpose of making its suppliers hesitant to engage in business practices that are unethical. to mold the culture and communicate what kinds of actions and behaviors are expected of all company personnel. prevent it from coming across to customers and the general public as greedy.