Ethics

You don’t have to look far in society to realize that as the generations change from Generation X through Y now to Generation Z (with Generation Alpha behind them), the ethics of the common person are changing. Ethics and compliance consultant Calvin London talks about the impact on ethical behavior and the ability to create a positive culture and a...

One of the challenges for the mindfully ethical leader is finding ways to connect during the holiday season without violating gifts and entertainment limits or making the other person uncomfortable. How can you give this season without running afoul of ethics policies? Both at work and at home, we often give gifts to establish or strengthen our connection with others....

Brazil’s presidential contest will head to a two-man runoff election later this month, but if any observers had hopes for an anti-corruption movement to take hold in the country, Victoria Abut says the only thing that can’t win this election is transparency. On Oct. 2, the first round of Brazil’s presidential election failed to produce a single winner, and the...

When assessing your ethics and compliance program, it seems only natural to look at each individual plank on its own, but as compliance expert and attorney Michael Volkov explains, this approach could fail to surface issues with program elements that don’t work in concert with one another. We often hear about the “essential” elements of effective ethics and compliance programs....

Companies large and small are expected to deepen their focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs over the next several years. But as Janet M. Stovall and Evynn McFalls of NeuroLeadership Institute explain, going beyond lip service means committing to constant improvement efforts. Several months after a splashy public announcement about advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, a company promoted...

Embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned after a revolt in his own party. While the political repercussions of Johnson’s tenure, especially how it ended, will be felt mostly within the UK, Miller & Chevalier’s Alejandra Montenegro Almonte and Nicole Gökçebay share what compliance and ethics lessons can be gleaned from the ordeal. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation has certainly...

Boris Johnson has long had a strained relationship with ethics. But when details of a previous ethical lapse came to light, it further illustrated how disconnected he is from any sense of ethical behavior. Human Risk founder Christian Hunt shares his insights. Here’s an ethics lesson courtesy UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who, according to a now-unpublished article in The...

Sound governance must encourage those who see something to say something. But that’s easier said than done. In this excerpt from his upcoming book, “Standing Up to China: How a Whistleblower Risked Everything for His Country,” former ZTE general counsel Ashley Yablon shares the fallout of trying to do the right thing. Yablon had served as general counsel to Chinese...

Those monitoring criminal antitrust activity now have more clarity on the Biden Administration's approach to enforcement. But that's no excuse to rest easy. The DOJ Antitrust Division has amplified its 'whole-of-government' approach by seeking cooperation from other agencies and enforcers overseas. Recent initiatives target the Covid-era collusion schemes creating supply chain disruptions. .@TheJusticeDept Announces Initiative to Protect Americans from Collusive...

In 1992, Mark Whitacre, a divisional president at ADM, began to cooperate with the FBI in their investigation into alleged price-fixing at the company. Before and during this period, he also embezzled millions from his employer. Whitacre provides multiple cautionary tales to young professionals looking to lead an ethical career.   It’s no coincidence Mark Whitacre has been the subject of...

Russia's invasion of Ukraine may be largely motivated by the drive to expand corrupt practices, writes Columbia University adjunct professor Matthew Murray. To understand the situation, we need to look back to Ukraine's 2013-14 Euromaidan movement. The demonstrations saw Ukrainians protest the government of former President Viktor Yanukovych and his refusal to sign legislation that would lead to EU membership....

The potential to discriminate is not confined to the walls of any business – it can extend to hiring practices as well. If neglected by ethics and compliance teams, companies might find themselves in a position similar to the NFL, which faces a lawsuit from former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. A lawsuit over whether the NFL discriminates against Black...