Strategic Partnering with the C-Suite
Scenario
Read the Assignment 4 Scenario Document provide in your course: it presents a complex ethical and
potentially legal challenge. Information has surfaced that may involve an ethical and/or legal violation, but
a fellow employee has asked you to keep it confidential. While the discussion with your coworker was
after hours and private, due to the potential gravity of the situation, you determine you must address this
with the CEO. You have made an appointment to meet with the CEO and are preparing for your meeting.
Instructions
Remember that a CEO is a busy person, so you must be concise. Plan for 5 minutes speaking directly to
the CEO in his or her office. There will be no time for you to show a PowerPoint or present any visuals.
Prepare by making notes that outline your communication, including a short description of the ethical or
legal challenge from the scenario, clearly stated recommendations, and the rationale for your ideas.
Your communication must include the following:
• Explanation of the problem, including any legal issues or regulations involved
• Likely impacts on major stakeholder groups
• Outline of proposed actions
• Risk-reward assessment based on the actions proposed
• Communication plan to inform employees and the public about the problem and response
Organize your presentation as you wish, but you should imagine yourself walking into the CEO’s office,
closing the door and beginning your conversation with, “Something important has just come to my
attention that I need to discuss with you…
Sample Solution
Notes for Meeting with CEO
Opening:
- "Something important has come to my attention that I need to discuss with you. It concerns a potential ethical and legal violation within the company."
Explanation of the Problem:
- Briefly describe the situation you learned about from your coworker, without revealing their identity (e.g., "There may be discrepancies in how we are handling [mention the specific process or procedure in question]").
- Mention any relevant legal issues or regulations that could be implicated (e.g., "This could be a breach of [mention specific law or regulation]").
Full Answer Section
Impact on Stakeholders:
- Briefly outline the potential consequences for different stakeholder groups:
- Employees: Potential loss of trust, legal repercussions
- Customers: Damaged reputation, safety risks (if applicable)
- Investors: Financial losses, legal action
- Public: Loss of trust, negative publicity
Proposed Actions:
- Recommend a thorough internal investigation to determine the extent of the issue.
- Suggest engaging an independent third-party investigator to ensure objectivity and credibility.
- Depending on the findings, propose appropriate corrective actions, which could include:
- Implementing stricter protocols and compliance measures.
- Disciplinary actions for those involved.
- Full transparency and disclosure if necessary.
Risk-Reward Assessment:
- Ignoring the issue poses a greater risk: potential lawsuits, regulatory fines, reputational damage.
- Addressing the issue head-on demonstrates ethical leadership, builds trust with stakeholders, and minimizes long-term damage.
Communication Plan:
- Propose a communication plan that is transparent and honest, tailored to each stakeholder group.
- Depending on the situation, this could involve internal memos, town hall meetings, or public statements.
- Emphasize the company's commitment to ethical conduct and swift corrective actions.
Closing:
- Thank the CEO for their time and express your willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Important Note:
- Maintain confidentiality of your coworker throughout the conversation.
- Focus on the potential ethical and legal implications, and propose a course of action that prioritizes the company's integrity and stakeholder well-being.