Those Three Little Words October 2007 Ethics Moment

“I love you?” No, those are not the three little words I have in mind. Does “in good faith” rekindle any memories? How about Paul D. Wolfowitz—remember now? World Bank President Wolfowitz agreed to resign his position after several months of controversy about his role in 2005 in helping his companion Shaha Ali Riza, who worked at the World Bank, transfer to the U.S. State Department where she received a healthy pay raise ($132,660 to $193,590).

Did Mr. Wolfowitz do anything unethical? No, he loudly proclaimed. He cleared his steps with relevant officials at the World Bank, including ethics officials at the Bank. After much hand wringing (including hiring a lawyer) by Mr. Wolfowitz, a blizzard of media attention, and growing pressure by the 24 member Board of Directors, he resigned effective June 30, 2007. The Directors issued this statement: ''He assured us that he acted ethically and in good faith in what he believed were the best interests of the institution, and we accept that. 'We also accept that others involved acted ethically and in good faith.''

When politics and ethics collide, watch out for those three little words . . . in good faith!

Source: New York Times, May 18, 2007.

PATimes – Ethics MomentSept2007 Those Three Little Words