Italian Answer to Ethical Lapses
Yesterday, I did a post offering a possible answer to ethical lapses as provided by the Tiger Woods ignominy. Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has now become the unintentional purveyor of another answer.
Long known for his domination by The Man Gene and dalliances with young women, Berlusconi is finally being sued by his wife for divorce. On top of that, he’s the defendant in several corruption trials, and his usually long-suffering constituents have begun demanding his resignation because of conflicts of interest between Berlusconi’s business empire and political career and the distraction of his personal indiscretions.
After giving a rip-roaring speech in Milan, the prime minister was attacked by a disgruntled (possibly mentally ill) constituent wielding a heavy ceramic or metal statuette of the Milan cathedral. Berlusconi suffered two broken teeth, cuts to his lip, and a broken nose.
Getting back to my post of yesterday, it seems to me that the recommended action in that post on the part of Congress and/or boards of directors would prevent this kind of violence while accomplishing the same purpose. There are a lot of people who are very angry with CEOs and other executives and could be tempted to use the Italian approach to fixing ethical lapses. A heavy statuette seems to be much more impactful than a golf club.
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Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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Maybe we should look at public flogging again.
Don,
Perhaps so. I’m sure of one thing. There would be a long line of floggers at both the Tiger Woods and Silvio Berlusconi events.
John