Which of the following is most likely at the root of the problems that befell an unethical company like Enron?

A) poor ethics training programs
B) no written code of ethics
C) leaders with such high ethical standards that ordinary people could not hope to live up to them
D) leaders with poor ethical standards

Answer: D
Explanation: Though ethics programs can have some effect on the morality of a company, ultimately the ethics of a company boils down to two things–the character of the employees and the character of the company leaders. There is little that leaders can do about the ethics of their employees–other than choose "better" employees. However, there is much that leaders can do to set standards for employees. If leaders make it a point to exhibit ethical behavior in every way, the message usually gets through to employees and affects their behavior. Similarly, an atmosphere of cynicism and ruthlessness also permeates to all levels of an organization. With Enron, this "rotten" attitude was most likely the cause of the company's ethical failures.