The last decade has seen the concept of impact investing gain significant recognition among foundations and investors alike. This approach involves deploying capital strategically to generate social impact and financial returns. In theory, investors can support companies with a strong social conscience, and foundations are able to leverage their entire balance sheets, unlocking additional capital…
Category: Governance & Ethics
Unethical Decisions: When Ordinary People Cross The Line
With so many ethical scandals breaking out in recent years (e.g., Deutsche Bank and money laundering, Volkswagen and the manipulation of diesel emissions testing, Wells Fargo and unethical sales tactics), it leads one to question: What is running through the minds of the people participating in the unethical acts?
Theranos and the wake-up call for ethics
If you have been following the story of Theranos, a $9 billion blood testing company that was built on a lie, you have probably come across the newly released documentary, The Inventor, and podcasts detailing the scandal.
What Did Michael Cohen’s Testimony Teach Us About Ethics?
On Wednesday, Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former lawyer, was brought before a congressional hearing to testify about his involvement with Trump’s various dealings,
Good Governance or a Coup D’état? What Ghosn’s Board Can Teach Us About Corruption
Carlos Ghosn was once a legend of the automotive world, pulling Nissan back from the grave to become one of the world’s most iconic brands. In an economically battered 1990s Japan, Ghosn became a kind of folk hero,
Is Canada Losing the Battle Against Corruption?
Corruption has a high price. Globally, corruption has been estimated to total to 2% of the global economic output, which is around $1.5 – 2 trillion. How is it so rampant? Bribery and unethical behaviour can be contagious-
How Passive Investors are Influencing Corporate Governance
Passive investment vehicles have experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Today, reports suggest the combination of the top three firms in the space, BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street,
Mac Van Wielingen Explores Drivers of Performance
Early in December 2017, Mac Van Wielingen addressed a small group of senior business leaders in Calgary. His talk titled, Advanced Governance: Strategy and the Imperative of Performance, explored the performance challenge facing most companies
Power, Politics, and the Dangers of a Narcissistic Leader
Research has found that high narcissism interferes with the ability to be supportive and facilitative of followers, which are core components of effective leadership.
Is Ethical Culture in Banks an Oxymoron?
Canadian banks have had the bragging rights of not following in their southern neighbors’ footsteps during the financial collapse of ‘08/’09. However, recent allegations from employees of Canada’s five major banks of intense pressure to meet sales goals, even at the unethical expense of misleading clients, sounds eerily similar to the recent Wells Fargo scandal.