1. Visit the Web site for BELA at www.ethisphere.com/bela. Define the four core values in detail, and explain which one you think will be the hardest for members to achieve and why.
2. Do you think it was a good idea to welcome founding members with such widely publicized ethical transgressions in their past? Why or why not?
3. BELA is a U.S. driven initiative at the moment. Do you think it will achieve a wider global acceptance over time? Why or why not?
4. Are the four core values legal compliance, transparency, identification of conflicts of interest, and accountability enough to establish a credible reputation as an ethical company? What other values would you consider adding and why?
5. Cynics could argue that this is simply a public relations exercise for companies that have performed unethical business practices in the past. Optimists could argue that this is, at the very least, a step in the right direction of restoring the ethical reputation of business as a whole. What do you think?
6. According to the rules of BELA, members will be audited every two years to make sure they are in compliance with BELA standards, and can face removal from the alliance should that audit provide evidence of failure to comply. Do you think the threat of removal from the alliance will keep members in line? Why or why not?