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Casting Shadows at Enron Business Ethics

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Casting Shadows at Enron Hopeful in their future, many put stock in the company from Houston known to many as Enron. The horrific scandal ruined many lives and devastated many retirement plans. The unreasonable tactics performed challenged our government to make sure those who were responsible were held responsible. Too many times in our past, people have not only made huge mistakes, but have done so with the effects landing on other peoples shoulders. This was one of those times. It is really hard to pick just one behavior or attitude most offensive. Their entire demeanor I found to be demeaning and horrific. If I had to choose one, I will say the fact that the leaders never claimed responsibility for their actions. Though what they had done was awful, taking responsibility sets a little bit of peace. At least those who were hurt and taken advantage of can see that not only were others at fault but they accepted the damage they done. I was taught throughout my life that making bad choices and decisions not only hurt me but others around me. I need to be careful what I choose to do. When I make a mistake however, I need to be able to accept the responsibility and make amends for the actions I have done. I feel all need to follow this concept. All in all, there was not just one person who was the ring leader in this scandal. I believe everyone involved, the CEOs, the board, the outside firms all played a major role in the downfall to the company. Whether they admitted or denied their involvement, all played a role. I do not believe there was a way for just one person to be in charge of all the deceitful lies and actions taken. There was too much evidence of knowledge of what was done and who played a part. I believe the Board of Enron is just as responsible as the CEOs. I want to make it clear that when the board was proved to have knowledge, they were equally responsible. Anybody

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could have chosen to be a whistleblower in this case. However, too many liked the lining in their pockets and were extremely selfish their choices. Boards were created to provide accountability for the actions of the company as a whole. When the actions of others are found to be corrupt, it is the boards job to fix the issues at hand. This board however, chose to ignore the wrong doings and tried to turn a blind eye. It is really difficult to choose what roles the government should play in situations as this. It seems obvious that restitution needs to be made, whether dead or alive. On the other hand, this action would hurt the families, who were innocent in this case. I do not believe that hurting innocent people to help other innocent people makes sense. On the flip side, I feel that if the deceased has an abundance of real estate and other property, that some should be garnished to help with the restitution. The families should get to have a say in what is taken away. In saying this, I believe that the government and the families left behind, as well as a representative for those who lost so much need to be in mediation to try and render a peaceful and equal conclusion. As known, there have been many companies who threw their workers and stockholders under the bus. Choosing to line their own pockets and attempt to hide the lies has come upon the shoulders of many. A few similarities, I believe deal with the financial issues all seem to carry. Those on the top of the ladder have bonuses that equal more than their workers combined and pay offs to other companies to help with the blanket of lies are just two examples of similarities. It all comes down to greed. This has been a common problem with humankind since our existence. Money talks and captures even the most honest person at times to do unthinkable things as these companies have committed.

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I believe that yearly, if not more so, each company needs to be audited. The fortune 500 companies especially need to have this done. I know that it will be time consuming and costly, however, it would help to curve the greed and bad choices. Knowing that there truly is accountability being held to each company and their board, it will make for a more honest workplace for all. I think this will knock out so much of the dishonesty that we hear about more and more. And hey, it will make for more jobs. That is always a good idea. The leaders at Enron proved to be more than dishonest. When the truth is not a key aspect in business, then those following are not able to base their jobs and actions in honesty. Followers, or employees, are there to listen and do as those leading say to do. They are taught to follow and listen to what the leaders lay out for them. When the core is greed and mismanagement, there is not a choice that ends with anything positive. The same goes with a persons life choices. If we follow the greed and inconsistent choices that mankind tend to see, we do not have a good foundation to build on. The foundation is shaky at best and will fall, as these companies have. Gods way is the only way that keeps us honest and accountable. We as His followers and company leaders need to understand the rules and commandments that were set for us. Knowing that the green eyed monster follows us all, setting limits and guidelines are important to us all. We can learn from the mistakes of the leaders at Enron and the companies like them. Let their actions and decisions be an example of what not to do and what will happen when we lose sight of Gods plan for each of us.

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Reference Johnson, C. E. (2011). Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow (4thed.). Los Angeles, CA:Sage Publications.