To a Catholic observer the continuing revelations about the practices of big companies have been painfully familiar.
The pattern is predictable. Bad behaviour is discovered (abuse/ripping off customers, avoiding taxation). A ritual response is made: 'We have the highest standards', 'We were never told', references to 'bad apples' etc. Further investigation shows that the bad apples were known about.
The response is to launch and vigorously defend legal cases and excoriate the irresponsible media. Further examination shows that suspected bad apples have found a home in other companies. Again, assurances are given that the culture has changed. Finally a few undersized bad apples are prosecuted. Few — neither CEOs nor board members — go to jail.
And finally the government promises a cut in company tax.
Meanwhile the public becomes thoroughly irate at what they see as the bastardry, effrontery and impunity of the companies. The more genteel describe it as reputational damage.
In this climate of judgment it may come as a surprise to recognise that in churches and companies not everyone is a bad apple. Among company managers and board members many good and generous human beings are to be found. So why does such antisocial and corrupt behaviour breed there?
I believe it can be traced to an economic ideology that is widely accepted in government as well as in business. The ideology sees the driving force of the economy to lie in competitive individuals whose work is motivated by the desire for economic gain.
The national good is defined by an increased GNP and economic activity. All significant relationships that compose a business are measured by their economic value, whether that value is expressed in salaries, bonuses or wages for employees and board members, or as dividends and share value for investors.
"In theory this apotheosis of the competitive individual may seem benign. But in practice it can look very grubby."
If we see companies through that lens, every form of competitive action that is economically productive will be legitimate provided that it is not illegal. And even legislative restrictions in the market that stand in the way of economic gain will be seen as regrettable.
So although regulations must not be disobeyed, they may be circumvented by means that are not actually illegal. It can readily be understood that relatively junior employees will travel close to the legal wind in competing with others to secure bonuses and higher paid positions.
Senior executives, board members and