ABSTRACT
Corporations expect employees to behave ethically, adhere to the published principles and codes and live the values. Considerable effort and cost will have been expended in making sure the published set of values scans well, and looks fantastic in published documents, posters, screen savers and embossed plaques. Values statements usually have a self-evident goodness, but too often lack clarity of meaning. Values are typically broad, which leaves them open to misinterpretation. Communications departments of large multi-nationals insist that the text, form and substance of values be enshrined in the official corporate language, using the designated font, colour and format. The corporate response to a breach of values is like watching a local talking to a foreigner without the language skills. The consequence is that the corporate approved values and behaviours are lost, replaced by local interpretations that favour the manager's bias, priorities, expediency or goals.
