The Wall Street Journal-20080119-Why Are We Even Talking About Honesty for CEOs-
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Why Are We Even Talking About Honesty for CEOs?
There is something terribly wrong when the most influential financial publication in the country needs to devote an entire page to convince chief executive officers that honesty is good ("Why CEOs Need to Be Honest With Their Boards," Jan. 14).
The Securities and Exchange Commission should require that all CEO contracts require absolute and complete honesty to boards of directors, with severe financial penalties for breaking the trust. Boards should be empowered and emboldened to say, "That little ethical lapse will cost you $10 million in options. Do it again and you are out of here with nothing." If we don't demand integrity from our most powerful and privileged, how can we expect it from our children?
Justin Starren, M.D., Ph.D.
Marshfield, Wis.
