Category Archives: News and Events

The Barometer has done quite a bit of work with companies and organizations that are grappling with the fallout from ethical lapses. One common thread that emerges in gathering information about how these folks got into difficulty — they all … Continue reading →

There is little question that Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Nissan, has experienced a stunning fall from iconic businessman to a jail cell in Tokyo. His arrest was based on charges of his failure … Continue reading →

It was a New York City corruption trial, so that may explain a great deal. However, even by New York City standards, this is one for the books. Businessman Jeremy Reichberg, AKA “the fix-it guy” expected favors from the NYPD, … Continue reading →

Boeing was desperate for titanium — the nuts, bolts, rivets, washers, all thousands of them for its new Dreamliner aircraft (its fuel-efficient competition to the super-size Airbus). The parts had to be titanium because of the weight issues. However, in … Continue reading →

Annette Bongiorno, 70, secretary to Bernie Madoff, was released from prison. She had been sentenced to 6 years in prison and had served about 2/3 of her term. She was eligible for early release under the new federal law, the … Continue reading →

Fare evaders cost the New York City Metro Transit Authority $215 million this year. The number of fare evaders is up from 2017: 1.8% of riders to 3.2% for 2018. How do they do it? Use the open emergency exit … Continue reading →

William Forsyth, the special counsel working with the Michigan Attorney General in investigating how Michigan State handled the sexual abuse allegations involving convicted sex offender Dr. Larry Nassar, has issued an interim report. That report concludes that there was and … Continue reading →

Here are some headlines from Friday, December 21, 2018. They speak for themselves about the increasing prevalence of ethical lapses: “Merrill Settles With Regulator,” Wall Street Journal, p. B10 (settlement of $6 million with FINRA for selling shares early in … Continue reading →

A Korn Ferry survey has some interesting insights into references and what they will and will not say. The survey concludes that “positivity” by reference checks is a problem.https://ir.kornferry.com/news-releases/news-release-details/positivity-problem-korn-ferry-survey-finds-saying-only-nice. The survey has some other interesting data besides the overwhelming indication … Continue reading →

Johnson & Johnson has run full-page ads in the major newspapers about talc in its baby powder.  Litigation against the company by women who used the used has resulted in claims (some of which have been successful) that asbestos fibers … Continue reading →

There are quite a few times when the word of the year touches in the area of ethics.  For 2018, the word of the year is “justice.”  For 2017, the word of the year was “complicit.” (Oxford) and “Fake news … Continue reading →

Former CEO Les Moonves will not get any part of his $120 million in severance pay.  The reason?  The CBS board, relying on an investigative report by an external law firm, concluded that there were multiple grounds to fire Mr. … Continue reading →

The military had a botched mission in Niger.  Four Green Berets were killed.  The team had been left in desolate Africa without support and adequate equipment.  They were killed by Islamic State fighters. Following an investigation and report, several junior … Continue reading →

His Honor DeBlasio has managed to preside over quite an ethical circus in the Big Apple. There is the lead paint problem in public housing, allowed to go unaddressed because of inspection lapses and serious records issues.  Then there was … Continue reading →