Answer: All the fraud activities conducted by Lay and Skilling and bad corporate culture led to the Eventual collapse of Enron. Both were aware of the Enron Code of Ethics but they did not follow it. Kenneth Lay former CEO was indicted on 11 criminal counts of fraud and making misleading statements. Jeff Skilling was indicted on 35 counts of wire fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy, making false statement on financial reports, and insider trading. Hence both were responsible for collapse of Enron.
How did the top leadership at Enron undermine the foundational values of the Enron Code of Ethics?
Answer: Enron numerous executives such as former CEO, former chief financial officer and treasurer who forced company to the bankruptcy were found guilty after the bankruptcy. They were engaged in money laundering, fraud and conspiracy. In this manner Enron’s leadership undermine the company’s expressed Enron Code of Ethics i.e. respect, integrity, communication and excellence.
Enron: What Caused The Ethical Collapse?
Answer: (Introduction) Kenneth Lay, former chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Enron Corp., is quoted in Michael Novak’s book Business as a Calling: Work and the Examined Life as saying, “I was fully exposed to not only legal behavior but moral and ethical behavior and what that means from the standpoint of leading organizations and people.” In an introductory statement to the revised Enron Code of Ethics issued in July 2000, Lay wrote: “As officers and employees of Enron Corp., its subsidiaries, and its affiliated companies, we are responsible for conducting the business affairs of the companies in accordance with all applicable laws and in a moral and honest manner.” Lay went on to indicate that the 64-page Enron Code of Ethics reflected policies approved by the company’s board of directors and that the company, which enjoyed a reputation for being fair and honest,