A Large Corporation Discovers That Several of Its Executive Assistants

A large corporation discovers that several of its executive assistants have been using their corporate credit cards for pay for non-work-related goods and services. This violates the corporate code of conduct and is considered theft. An investigation proves that one of these assistants stole nearly $500,000 over the course of several years. The company terminated the assistants involved and filed criminal charges. It also created a new method for reporting and approving credit card expenses. Which of the following represents your best recommendation for creating a more ethical culture?

A) Management should reassess the visible symbols to ensure that they are consistent with corporate principles and intended behaviors. Management should also diligently obey the newly created reporting system and allow the story of these assistants to become a legendary/cautionary tale.
B) Since management has taken symbolic action with a new reporting system, it needs to focus on ensuring that daily employee interactions are ethical. This may be best done by prohibiting gossip about the assistants to spread throughout the company.
C) Company management has done all it can to affect corporate culture with the addition of a new reporting system. All other cultural changes require efforts from other company employees.
D) Management should recognize each employee who has behaved in an ethical manner during this time of misconduct.