There’s been a lot of analysis about the long-term impact of the Covid-19 crisis on business and society. But what about the smaller-scale developments which are beginning to occur now and which will represent more immediate change for those working in the ethics and compliance space? Some quick thoughts: The expert is dead. Long live theContinue reading “The crisis and compliance: a short-term snapshot.”
Tag Archives: business
Are Legal a blocker?
A familiar viewpoint is that corporate in-house Legal teams are a roadblock to innovation and change; the ‘No’ departments which prevent good (legal) ideas from reaching fruition. In terms of business ethics, this might manifest itself in the prioritisation of baseline compliance over genuine ethical leadership, and a desire to minimise all forms of risk (e.g. through keeping publicContinue reading “Are Legal a blocker?”
For governments, can ethics be the tie that binds?
In my recent posts, I have talked about the need for companies to “speak with one voice” and adopt a holistic approach to business ethics. Logically then, shouldn’t governments and regulators be doing the same? In this context, I am not talking about government departments which, with varying degrees of success, oversee the conduct of public officeContinue reading “For governments, can ethics be the tie that binds?”
What happens to accountability in a crisis?
The benefit of a democratic society is its (at least theoretical) ability to hold those it has elected to govern to account. Society should be able to do the same with companies, e.g. through a combination of legislation/regulation and behaviours (individuals acting in their capacity as employees, stakeholders and end-consumers). But what happens to the exercise ofContinue reading “What happens to accountability in a crisis?”
What should an effective business ethics function look like?
In my previous post I talked about the need for a “whole of company approach” to business ethics, which has clear authority and commitment from the Board. But what does an effective Business Ethics/Integrity function look like, and are we seeing this in practice? Firstly, some thoughts on effectiveness: Break down barriers. Ethical issues rarelyContinue reading “What should an effective business ethics function look like?”
What is the future of business ethics?
My first blog post has been triggered by a great article by Alison Taylor in the FCPA Blog (Covid-19 and business integrity: A stunned and needy world is watching). In the context of Covid-19, this focuses on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Future Council on Transparency and Anti-Corruption and its new Agenda for BusinessContinue reading “What is the future of business ethics?”
Practical thoughts on business ethics. 