WHAT MAKES PEOPLE MISBEHAVE AT WORK?
What makes some people behave in a way that we consider unethical and clearly harmful for the organisations they work for? Why did Jérôme Kerviel, a junior trader, hack the computer system of Société Générale to make transactions that cost the bank 4.9bn euros?
Recent scandals relating to insider trading, fraudulent accounting and bribery have spurred interest in ethical decision-making within organisations to the extent that top MBA schools - arguably the paragon of 'shareholder capitalism' - are making business ethics a compulsory subject of study.
The Insider illustrates how personal qualities affect the way we approach ethical dilemmas while Rogue Trader highlights the impact of organisational culture on ethical decision-making.
ABOUT ME
- Nina
- I lecture business ethics and corporate social responsibility - CSR - at University College London. This blog is targeted at my students who are looking for essay topics.
FILM OF THE WEEK
The Insider - The life of a whistleblower deteriorates as he exposes Big Tobacco while a journalist faces a dilemma between business and public interests.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
Rogue Trader by Nick Leeson - Description of the events that led to the collapse of Barings Bank as experienced by the trader who was at the heart of the situation.