According to recently released 2012 Department of Labor data the rate of unionization -- the percentage of American workers belonging to unions -- declined faster under President Obama’s first term than during two terms of President George W. Bush. Diana Furchtgott-Roth, former chief economist at the U.S. Department of Labor and senior fellow at The Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, argues that the President’s own anti-business policies are largely to blame. This is not as counterintuitive as it sounds.
“Chauffer-driven limousines, millions in stock options, golden parachutes. It’s no wonder bosses’ pay and perks can rankle,” write Ray Fisman and Tim Sullivan of The Wall Street Journal. The writers argue that “many CEOs are overpaid—or even paid for incompetence, but you can only appreciate good performance once you understand what a leader does.” But is this a balanced understanding of where CEOs are in terms of the reality on the ground?
Editor’s note: To analyze the value of so-called corporate social responsibility, Ethical Chic –from which the following is excerpted--takes an in-depth look at six companies known for CSR qualities—deservedly or not: American Apparel, Apple, Starbucks, Timberland, Tom’s of Maine, and Trader Joe’s.
While use of company aircraft is a common perk for many CEOs, a noted governance expert suggests that a formal policy for its use is the best way to protect the company and the CEO from unwanted shareholder lawsuits.
Sign up now to receive our free e-newsletters. You can choose to receive our weekly CEO Briefing updates, monthly Entrepreneurial CEO newsletter, and exclusive CEO surveys.