Frauds and Fakes
Theme of the Week: Crooked or Straight?
Steve Marr
Sunday, August 29, 2004
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Who Said It
Steve Marr is the former CEO of the fourth largest U.S. import-export company. Currently he advises ministries and businesses about operating from a biblical business model. Steve hosts the radio feature Business Proverbs. His syndicated business column appears in 16 Christian newspapers. He lives in Tucson, Arizona. What He Said
Although not always illegal, dishonesty sets a tone in a company's culture. WorldCom settled an action by the Federal Communications Commission for alleged "slamming," the practice of changing customers to MCI long-distance without the customer's permission. WorldCom never admitted guilt, but paid a large fine and promised to change the practice. Any business built upon unethical sales tactics is ripe for a fall.
In business publications, former Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski extolled the virtues of keeping costs down. He pointed to the company's modest headquarters building in Exeter, New Hampshire, as an example. However, while the official headquarters remained in Exeter, nearly all of Tyco's key operations were transferred to large, expensive offices in Boca Raton, Florida. Not surprisingly, Kozlowski was subsequently indicted on tax fraud charges.
Enron operated a fake trading floor designed to deceive stock analysts who visited its home office. Employees were told to act like they were completing trades. Visitors were impressed by the hum of activity. This charade became common knowledge among many employees.
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Keep me, Lord, from being sucked into the corruption of my culture. Empower me to reflect Your holiness in it.
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