The recent, devastating floods in Iran were caused in part by the obstruction of flood outlets and by the conversion of flood routes and dry river beds to residential areas. To a large extent, the devastation was avoidable.
In a company, we can expect similar floodings when the business swells with opportunity or uncertainty, or both. This is when communication channels can be life-saving, allowing employees to ask questions or to report actual or suspected wrongdoing. But if the access to HR, to Legal, to Ethics & Compliance or to the hotline has been obstructed, then devastation can ensue.
This, too, is avoidable.
The Ethical Leader 