Richard Branson Talks about Dirty Tricks in Business

Richard describes the dirty tricks campaign by British Airways. What this highlights is the dishonesty and corruption in business justified by the pursuit of profit.  It points to the lack of character in the Chief Executive Officer and staff involved.  It is reflective of a toxic culture that uses deception and corruption justified as competition with the objective is to win. The unethical nature of competition needs to be highlighted and made visible. There has to be role modelling in business.  Reputation is not to be protected but to be lived as an example for others to follow.  This modus operandi of Risk Management protecting reputation to cover up illegality should not be supported by industry or government.  It should be dealt with by regulators who are not limited or the courts.  The preference would be to train mangement in ethics not ‘to be seen to be’ but actually as an expectation of doing business ethically. Thus, the business schools would ensure that they have ethics, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-bullying.  It is to create businesses in service to humanity and the public, not as marketing statements, but instead finding the real meaning in business.

Richard speaks about being a father.  He speaks about most men not wanting to be tied down.  I think women don’t want to be tied down either (when they don’t want kids). I guess they feel they need the support as children need both parents.  It is lovely to hear that when Joan got pregnant he stayed with her and he expresses his joy of his children. I would assume that this has made him well rounded as a person and aware of the needs of children.  This is very important for the future.