Catholic Social Teaching and CEOs

Matt, Gina and Katherine

Kenneth Lay Background Jeffery Skilling Background Catholic Social Teaching Catholic Social Teaching Applied to Lay&

Skilling Conclusion

Overview

Born 1942 Economics University

of Missouri Served in the Navy Federal Power

Commission◦ Energy Deputy for US

Department of Interior 1984 laid foundation

for Enron

Kenneth Lay

Born 1953 M.B.A. from

Harvard Three Children

◦ Divorced and remarried

1990 hired by Kenneth Lay

2001 named CEO of Enron

Jeffrey Skilling

Created in image of God- People are worthy of respect as a member of the human family

Did not show their share of respect to the people of the country:◦ California Energy Crisis

Dignity of the Human Person

Every person has inherent dignity and the right to life

Didn’t show themselves much dignity with their actions

Respect for Human Life

Every person is sacred and social part of our society, economy, law and policy

Lied to government officials and shareholders on many occasions

Association

The right and duty to participate in society, seeking common good

Used inside information to leave company before the crash—not seeking common good

Participation

Helping those in need: hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick, etc.

Their actions ended with employees losing jobs, pensions, etc.

Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable

One interdependent human family

Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling abandoned the company and its employees as it was going down

Principle of Solidarity

We show God’s respect by our stewardship of creation

Stewardship: ethic that incorporates responsible planning and management of resources

Lay and Skilling used their knowledge and resources to only benefit themselves and increase their own profits while disregarding the wellbeing of their employees and investors

Principle of Stewardship

Roles of voluntary associations and the limits of government

The government’s role in the collapse of Enron did not take full effect until all the damage was done.

The trials of the individuals involved were for the most part successful.

Principle of Subsidiarity

Cultural discrimination in fundamental rights are not compatible with God’s design

Lay and Skilling saw themselves as above everyone else, only protecting their own needs

Principle of Human Equality

Proper communication concern is the antidote to unbridled individualism

Lay and Skilling did not communicate with the workers underneath them, therefore leaving them in the dark.

Their lack of communication led to the downfall of the company and the wellbeing of all employees

Principle of the Common Good

Conclusion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3Wv7I2rUJY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dImyvXDNmQw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWrXZzzq1B0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_NxYUpLE6A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI6O3RV7Ltk

Works Cited