This brief extends studies on how corporations respond to scandals by examining the evolution of the accounts that corporate agents develop after a scandal becomes public. Guided by the theory of accounts and a recently developed perspective on crisis management, its examines how the accounts developed by thirteen corporations caught up in highly publicized scandals changed from the time of initial exposure to the issuance of an investigative report. This brief continues the discussion of the broader managerial and social implications of the analysis of accounts, and analyses their effect on our understanding of the ability of corporations to weather serious scandals. It includes four case studies; from Switzerland, Moldova, Denmark, and Norway respectively.
A definitive new reference on the major failures of American corporate governance at the start of the 21st century. Tracing the market boom and bust that preceded Enron's collapse, as well as the aftermath of that failure, the book chronicles the meltdown in the telecom sector that gave rise to accounting scandals globally. Featuring expert analysis of the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation that was adopted in response to these scandals, the author also investigates the remarkable market recovery that followed the scandals. An exhaustive guide to the collapse of the Enron Corporation and other financial scandals that erupted in the wake of the market downturn of 2000, this book is an essential resource for students, teachers and professionals in corporate governance, finance, and law.
When the Enron filed the biggest bankruptcy petition in the history of the United States, if not the world, the immediate response by most politicians and financiers was that this scandal was a “failure of regulatory institutions” that can be corrected and may possibly even be a purely North American problem. However, an in-depth exploration of what happened, as undertaken in this volume, reveals that the widespread corruptions at corporate level have their roots in the transformations of socio-political conditions in the wake of an extreme fetishization of the neo-liberal market model.
This law school text explores the Enron debacle from a variety of different aspects. Essays analyze the business-government interactions and decisions that laid the foundations for Enron's growth and subsequent demise. Other essays describe and detail the complex web of partnerships and accounting tricks used by Enron to hide bad news and project good news. Additional essays focus on the ethical and legal dimensions of the Enron crisis, and the subsequent lessons for business and law students, as well as for society.
Governing the Corporation is a unique forum combining the insights of some of the most influential minds involved in the governance of global financial markets with internationally recognised academics and practitioners. Divided into three sections, the book first examines changes to the regulation of markets and assesses the global implications of the export of Sarbanes-Oxley for financial sector governance. The second section examines the challenges facing the professions with critical analysis from leading lawyers and accountants. The final section calculates the effectiveness of state and self-regulatory policy and posits the importance of institutionalising an ethical framework tied to incentives. Each section of the book features contributions from regulators, practitioners and academics from a range of disciplines, including finance, political science, criminology, law and philosophy.
When Michael Woodford was made president of Olympus, he became the first Westerner ever to climb to the top of one of Japan’s corporate giants. Unfortunately, soon after, his dream job turned into a nightmare. Woodford learned about a series of bizarre mergers and acquisitions deals totaling $1.7 billion—a scandal that threatened to bring down the entire company if exposed. Just weeks later, he was fired in a boardroom coup that shocked Japan and the business world. Woodford fled the country in fear for his life and went straight to the press—making him the first CEO of a global multinational to blow the whistle on his own company. Now Woodford recounts his almost unbelievable true story and paints a devastating portrait of corporate Japan. “His story is filled with mystery, suspense, and betrayal.” —Management Today “A gripping chronicle.” —Kirkus Reviews “I had walked into a John Grisham novel.” —Michael Woodford
Once upon a time, business etiquette was important in advancing one's career. Colleagues were expected to speak eloquently, wait their turn, and offer genuine compliments. Today's workplace feels more like a battle being waged, full of nasty communication antics and underhanded scheming. If you're disheartened by all the on-the-job negativity you face every day, you're not alone.
Shareholder litigation and class action suits play a key role in protecting investors and regulating big businesses. But Directors and Officers liability insurance shields corporations and their managers from the financial consequences of many illegal acts, as evidenced by the recent Enron scandal and many of last year’s corporate financial meltdowns. Ensuring Corporate Misconduct demonstrates for the first time how corporations use insurance to avoid responsibility for corporate misconduct, dangerously undermining the impact of securities laws. As Tom Baker and Sean J. Griffith demonstrate, this need not be the case. Opening up the formerly closed world of corporate insurance, the authors interviewed people from every part of the industry in order to show the different instances where insurance companies could step in and play a constructive role in strengthening corporate governance—yet currently do not. Ensuring Corporate Misconduct concludes with a set of readily implementable reforms that could significantly rehabilitate the system.
Corporate Fraud Exposed uncovers the motivations and drivers of fraud including agency theory, executive compensation, and organizational culture. It delves into the consequences of fraud for various firm stakeholders, and its spillover effects on other corporations, the political environment, and financial market participants.
A comprehensive blueprint for the enlightened leader The Leadership Contract is the modern leader's handbook for organizational renewal. Leaders are no longer "rulers," nor are they accidental—in today's business climate, leadership is both a trait and a specific set of skills. It's about trust, commitment, communication, and drive. This book shows you how to become the leader your organization needs. You'll go beyond adopting the habits and practices of an effective leader and actually put it in writing to establish a leadership contract that ensures the success of your company. This revised and updated edition includes new coverage of accountability, personal and organizational levels of the leadership contract, new Gut Check summary questions after each chapter, and additional opening and closing remarks to provide key insight into what the leadership role entails. Recent studies show that only 7 percent of employees have trust and confidence in their senior leaders. How can organizations succeed without the support of their employees? This book aims to build better leaders and establish a true leadership culture that inspires the entire organization. Learn why a leadership contract is needed and what it entails Discover the real impact of your decisions and work ethic Motivate and inspire by making the right connections Facilitate a vibrant, positive culture that innovates and thrives Exceptional leadership is the heart of a successful organization. Employees need to be able to trust in the skills, strategy, judgment, and motivation of those steering the ship. The Leadership Contract provides a blueprint for today's leaders, and guides you toward becoming the leader your employees deserve.
