Question: A few antitrust experts say that some of Mackey's Yahoo! messages could hurt his company's case and be used against him if they support the view that the health-food market is a distinct market, separate from the mainstream grocery market. The FTC was trying to argue that the health-food market was distinct and that the acquisition would increase concentration in that narrow market and drive up prices. Some experts on corporate governance and others who serve as image consultants have held that Mackey's exposure may cause the company's board to question his leadership abilities. It was announced in August 2007 that Whole Foods Market had completed its acquisition of Wild Oats, after months of delays by the antitrust authorities. Mackey explained that he had made the online comments anonymously because he had fun doing it. Some of his defenders have said that his comments were never intended to disclose insider information or to move stock prices.
1. Were Mackey's actions more representative of a strong, moral leader or a weak, uncertain leader? What insights into his character are revealed by this episode? Is it ethical for a CEO to engage in such deceptions?
2. Do you see Mackey's actions as positive, negative, or indifferent in terms of setting a strong ethical tone for his company?
3. Were Mackey's deceptions just a harmless, fun activity, or do they have harmful implications for Whole Foods in the future?
4. Were Mackey's actions more representative of a strong, moral leader or a weak, uncertain leader? What insights into his character are revealed by this episode? Is it ethical for a CEO to engage in such deceptions?
5. Do you see Mackey's actions as positive, negative, or indifferent in terms of setting a strong ethical tone for his company?
6. Were Mackey's deceptions just a harmless, fun activity, or do they have harmful implications for Whole Foods in the future?