Parenthood and ESG
Becoming a parent is a life-changing event. And the realisation that our children will have to grow up in whatever world we leave behind can also have a big impact on how business leaders perceive growth and sustainability.
Three inconvenient truths about corruption
Any definition of corruption that does not include your own actions is a self-protective fantasy. So having honest, adult conversations about corruption requires accepting that none of us is ethically pure.
The aggregation of marginal decays
Losing your integrity is like losing your virginity: it only happens once. And it often stems from a step-by-step deterioration, when small errors and failings are routinely overlooked - the exact opposite of marginal gains.
Human Rights: do the diligence
The need for companies across all industry sectors to do genuine, focused human rights due diligence is becoming ever clearer. This applies both to a company’s own direct activities and within its supply chain.
Choosing to be humble
The sad story of ‘Big Sam’ Allardyce, the shortest-serving manager in English football history, is a classic example of someone falling foul of habit No.6 of a trusted executive - choosing to be humble.
The flip-side of ethical conduct
Doing what right - as opposed to what's profitable - isn’t always easy. What’s more, new research has found, ethical behaviour can also have an ugly flip-side.
Warriors and kings
More than ever, companies need to be led by kings, not warriors. But the Volkswagen scandal is a reminder that an obsolete and destructive warrior mentality still grips a large chunk of the corporate psyche.
Pulling the wool over the auditors’ eyes
Confident statements from managers can distort the judgement of auditors and lead them to accept explanations at face value, new research has found.
Ethics across the generations
Business ethics mean different things to different people. So understanding the different characteristics of the various generations in the workplace is a fundamental part of building a culture founded on ethical values.
Swiss leaks and banking ethics
Last February, following the revelations of the Swiss Leaks affair, HSBC's CEO, Stuart Gulliver, offered his 'sincerest apologies' for the tax avoidance practices carried out by his bank on behalf of its clients. But does his statement indicate any real evolution in banking practices or a step towards more ethical banking?
Female CFOs reduce corporate tax evasion
If we want companies to be more transparent and ethical about their tax affairs, having more women in board positions - and in particular, encouraging more women to become CFOs - could be the answer.
Law, ethics and Aristotle's ghost
What impact does employment law have on organisational and personal ethics? And does legislation encourage or stifle innovation? With a vast array of labour laws and a reputation for legislative overload, a good place to look for answers is to ask the French.
Encouraging employees to voice their values
How can organizations encourage their employees to act responsibly and to voice their values effectively and constructively when they see things that put the firm and its reputation, not to mention public safety and wellbeing, at risk?
Power, corruption and testosterone
A new study from the University of Lausanne has revealed that the old cliché is true. Power does corrupt. What’s more, it is almost addictive, with even previously-honest individuals succumbing to its allure.
Corporate integrity undermined by the pursuit of shareholder value
Higher levels of corporate integrity lead to better outcomes and greater profitability. But a new study suggests with an excessive focus on shareholder value means that public companies are less able to maintain their 'integrity capital'.
Latest book podcasts
Vish Alluri: The Enlightened Manager
Vish Alluri, co-author of ‘The Enlightened Manager', discusses a thoughtful approach to management which draws on the teachings of the philosopher, Jiddu Krishnamurti.
Steve Cockram: the Voice-Driven Leader
Steve Cockram, co-founder of Giant Worldwide, talks about his latest book, 'The Voice-Driven Leader' and explains how to create environments in which every voice gets heard.
What is Relationship Currency?
Keynote speaker and transformational coach, Ravi Rajani, talks about his new book, 'Relationship currency: five communication habits for limitless influence and business success'.
Hone - how purposeful leaders defy drift
We dive into the new book from Deloitte's Geoff Tuff and Steven Goldbach, 'Hone - how purposeful leaders defy drift'.
