Must Business Leaders Become Transparent?
Are you a millionaire, James?
No, absolutely not. As a business leader and financial tycoon I know that the world is dangerous and I have positioned myself strategically so that others cannot determine my financial worth. I don’t want to show the world my financial statements. This privacy is worth more than the public display. I have a beautiful home and I drive a new car and I like my privacy. I don’t want the attention of the media, nor do I want prying eyes to uncover just exactly how much I own. I want to be independent and accountable to no one. You might just say I like being thought of us your chauffeur…
Does this sound familiar?
In today’s business world, must business leaders become transparent?
Yes, accountability includes transparency for business leadership. Where is the money going and why is the money being spent here instead of there? The board has the right to ask these questions as do shareholders, who are considered as principle operators. The controversy arises as to who else does? The prying eyes of the public? The employee at the front-line? Where does the line stop? Where is privacy addressed and accountability met?
The answer lies in several factors. First, is this person a millionaire because of public enterprise and engagement or because of private investment? If the source is public, then an open public inquiry seems reasonable; whereas, if the source is private then the matter should be constrained.
What are your thoughts on this? Please leave a comment.
Tags: Business Leaders, business leadership, business skills, Loreen Sherman.