Ethics

Consider GM's latest debacle: the C-Suite claimed no knowledge of the company's use of faulty ignition switches going back more than a decade. And perhaps they didn't know, but they should have. Executives must be held accountable for subordinates' failings, so they must be aware of what's going on internally.

Business ethics is traditionally taught by college philosophy departments. Considering source material often predates modern business practices by hundreds -- if not thousands -- of years, this should raise eyebrows. The principles of classical moral philosophy aren't very helpful in today's business world, so why are they being applied?

When it comes to compliance, the best investment a company can make is to create and promote an ethical culture. Dollar for dollar, communicating this message is the money well spent. A CEO has to commit time and effort to the program. If the CEO does not want to commit, the job will be much harder. A CEO who believes...

I was reading a book the other day and came across this question: Which matters more: intention or action? It stopped me in my tracks, and I had to stop reading to ponder this question for a while.

Reporting wrongdoing at work will never be easy. So why do whistleblowers go ahead?