the self-appointed ethics czar. He was ousted, however, after violating the
code of conduct he himself developed. He had a (consensual) extramarital affair
with a female executive at the company. The company saw some aspects of that
relationship as being potentially embarrassing, and thought they compromised
Harry’s ability to lead the company.
Boeing’s reaction to a moral issue has some people wondering
if corporate America has a whole new morality altogether. In an age when a
president of the United States can “get away with” a string of
affairs of various degrees of “consent,” a CEO who is eliminated for
a consensual, albeit extramarital affair, at first glance is admittedly unusual
maybe impressive? What is particularly unusual about the Boeing Stonecipher
case is that the affair was consensual, it only happened once, and there was no
sexual harassment suit.
Thoughts?
2. Leading by example, so do you believe that people will
follow?
3. What are ethics and who and what determines what is
ethical or unethical?
4. As you pointed out we have been discussing ethics in the
context of our American culture and ethical standards but as we are a global
economy and every business is affect by globalization, what if for the host
country it is the norm and legal, i.e. standard business practice/culture, but
it is considered illegal and/or unethical here, then what thoughts?
