A Family Affair: A Case of Altruism or Aggrandizement?

• Published in: Journal of business ethics Vol. 113; no. 1; pp. 157 - 161
• Main Authors: Boyd, David P., Halfond, Jay A., Johnson, Peder C., Kainen, Timm L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.03.2013; Springer Netherlands; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Altruism; Behavior; Business and Management; Business Ethics; Business structures; Chief executive officers; Children; Computer software; Criminal sociology. Police. Delinquency. Deviance. Suicide; Criminals; Deterrence; Earrings; Economic altruism; Education; Employees; Ethics; Ethics and moral life; Larceny; Leadership; Management; Parties; Philosophy; Police; Quality of Life Research; Security guards; Sociology; Sociology of knowledge and ethics; Sociology of knowledge and sociology of culture; Sociology of law and criminology; Sociology of organizations and enterprises. Bureaucracy and administration; Sociology of work and sociology of organizations; Studies; Theft; Work place; Theft detection and deterrence; Ethical leadership; Workplace morale; Case study; Ethics; Attitude towards; Deviant Behavior; Criminality; Enterprise; Economical Management; Workplace; Theft
• ISSN: 0167-4544; 1573-0697
• DOI: 10.1007/s10551-012-1303-9

The case recounts an incident of theft at a CEOs home during a company party. The rogue may well be an employee, and the CEO considers his options: should he let the matter pass and preserve the good will generated by the party, or should he stand on principle and engage the issue frontally? Three commentators provide perspective on an optimal response. They consider whether the CEOs true intent is to show appreciation or showcase opulence. In addition, the aberrant behavior at this celebratory event suggests some measures that management might take in the workplace.