The Forgotten (Wo)man

Tone from the top is one of the hallmarks or key metrics in the evaluation of a quality ethics and compliance program.  The reasons for this metric are obvious and have their origin in quality, safety, and other staff functions of an enterprise.  Additionally, without the Chairman or the president of the company strongly supporting the ethics and compliance initiatives, the day to day “closest alligator in the swamp” (tyranny of the immediate) overcomes the platitudes and maxims related to something very difficult to measure, something that has no apparent rewards, and also costs time and money.

However, classical management theory accurately states that the hardest job in the enterprise is that of the first line supervisor.  This is where the rubber meets the road and also where the tyranny of the immediate truly resides.  First line supervisors are the heart and soul of middle management.  They provide constant and visible leadership and are the glue that holds the enterprise together. 

Relevant, sustainable, and effective ethics and compliance program must permeate every aspect of the enterprise.  The executive in the corner doesn’t have the time or the visibility to get the message out daily.   The middle manager has no choice; he or she must be that messenger.  This is the most effective way to get the ethics and compliance message out daily.