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We see repeatedly in such cases that employees, especially so executives, have known about the dangers of a product often for years and rather than take action

We see repeatedly in such cases that employees, especially so executives, have known about the dangers of a product often for years and rather than take action to withdraw it they cover over and hide the facts—witness the tobacco industry. This problem could almost certainly be put to rest if not only the companies were held responsible but equally so their employees. If employees knew life imprisonment was a likely outcome for their 'silence' things would almost certainly change. This is obvious, what is not is why governments repeatedly fail to implement such legislation. That is, why is commerce so effective at being able to block governments from legislating thus?

chii 4y ago
> equally so their employees. If employees knew life imprisonment was a likely outcome for their 'silence' things would almost certainly change. They would choose to not work. In fact, no-one would be under that rule. Liability must stop somewhere, and it stops at the corporate charter. Otherwise the risk is too great for any employee, to be held personally liable for actions of the company, but don't get the rewards, or call shots.
- hilbert42 4y ago
  "They would choose to not work." I simply do not believe that. If the rules are set correctly and everyone understands them then it's easy to work within those rules. For example, everyone knows not to fiddle the company's books—if one does and is caught then tough, one suffers the consequences. Let's be clear about this, we're not talking about genuine mistakes or unforseen consequences, force majeure/Act of God or such but deliberate coverups when evidence of problems presents itself. The rules would be simple, anyone who became aware of a dangerous issue would be liable to report it and be strongly protected at law from retribution by vindictive management. I would add this would be no different to Occupational Health and Safety law that already exists in many jurisdictions. __ Edit: such laws would also be framed to avoid unnecessary damage to a company's reputation from trivial or even vindictive actions by wayward employees. Ways of reporting—both within a company and to government agencies—to ensure companies don't suffer undue harm already exist in some existing and proposed whistleblower legislation. They could easily be adopted.

chii 4y ago

> equally so their employees. If employees knew life imprisonment was a likely outcome for their 'silence' things would almost certainly change. They would choose to not work. In fact, no-one would be under that rule. Liability must stop somewhere, and it stops at the corporate charter. Otherwise the risk is too great for any employee, to be held personally liable for actions of the company, but don't get the rewards, or call shots.

hilbert42 4y ago
"They would choose to not work." I simply do not believe that. If the rules are set correctly and everyone understands them then it's easy to work within those rules. For example, everyone knows not to fiddle the company's books—if one does and is caught then tough, one suffers the consequences. Let's be clear about this, we're not talking about genuine mistakes or unforseen consequences, force majeure/Act of God or such but deliberate coverups when evidence of problems presents itself. The rules would be simple, anyone who became aware of a dangerous issue would be liable to report it and be strongly protected at law from retribution by vindictive management. I would add this would be no different to Occupational Health and Safety law that already exists in many jurisdictions. __ Edit: such laws would also be framed to avoid unnecessary damage to a company's reputation from trivial or even vindictive actions by wayward employees. Ways of reporting—both within a company and to government agencies—to ensure companies don't suffer undue harm already exist in some existing and proposed whistleblower legislation. They could easily be adopted.