1st Edition
Integrity in Business Developing Ethical Behavior Across Cultures and Jurisdictions
Business integrity is rarely a matter of straight-forward rules. As the nature and geography of business transactions become more complex, managers are required to make judgements and to tackle new ethical dilemmas that are often local and situational. Integrity in Business explores the complex nature of integrity and business and illustrates how organizations have avoided major setbacks to their reputations and value by encouraging integrity. It also examines those organizations that have failed or experienced serious reputational damage due to lack of preparation, lack of transparency and lack of leadership. Frank Holder analyzes how transparency and integrity depend on a state of balance in competition and knowing who you are doing business with. He explains the significance of leadership awareness which, whilst now global, is alert to the need to establish integrity in local markets. Using his research from a review of significant fraud cases, legislative mandates and governmental and nongovernmental initiatives over the past 15 years, the author provides a rigorous and sophisticated guide to understanding and adopting an holistic business integrity strategy- one which has a realistic chance of protecting your organization from the kind of catastrophic loss or reputational damage that can easily be the result of an error of judgement in a world that is increasingly connected and driven by instant and social media.
Biography
Frank Holder is a Senior Managing Director and Chairman of Latin America at FTI Consulting, one of the world's premier risk mitigation companies. As the Chairman of Latin America for FTI, Dr Holder oversees offices in, Miami, Mexico City, Panama City, Bogota, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. Due to his specialization in emerging markets, he has over 20 years of real life on the ground experience with compliance and business integrity issues. He has also spoken at many conferences, has regular press exposure and has published articles on related topics. Dr Holder has a PhD in Political Science and an MA in International Relations from the Universidad de Belgrano, a private university in Argentina, and a BS in History with a minor in Spanish from the United States Air Force Academy, where he was a summa cum laude graduate.
’You know an issue’s time has come when a theoretical literature on what the reader ought to do is pushed aside by a how to book. In this way, Frank Holder’s practical advice on how to put honesty and trust, as well as regulatory compliance, at the heart of business decision-making is an important milestone.’ Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Former UK Minister and Deputy UN Secretary-General ’Most books about business ethics are simply from-the-sidelines exhortations to do good and avoid evil. But Integrity in Business provides a holistic and practical approach. Holder provides an acute analysis of the differences in business practices and regulatory environments across markets - a useful primer for any executive and company that produces or sells in our increasingly globalized world. He explains why attempts to legislate ethical behavior have failed and will fail to stop fraud and corruption. And his discussions of specific situations-ranging from Enron, Madoff, and Parmalat to Countrywide Financial and Siemens - are informed by the perspective of someone who has worked with many companies and employees harmed by their leaders’ fraudulent behaviors. A must read for any CEO looking to establish and maintain an ethical organizational culture and personal integrity.’ Frank V. Cespedes, Harvard Business School, USA
