The Bottom Line

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Factual: Money

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

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The Bottom Line: In denial

26/10/2023

In denial

BBC Radio 4 - The Bottom Line, In denial

When bad things happen in business, why do some leaders pretend they haven't?

When bad things happen in business, why do some leaders pretend they haven't? Evan Davis and guests discuss the dangers of defensiveness and denial, and how to avoid them.

Bad behaviour and big mistakes can destroy careers and even entire businesses if they're not addressed quickly, so why do some companies and their leaders try to downplay or even deny them?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the culture of defensiveness and denial that exists in some organisations, from the private to the public and charity sectors. 

A former Oxfam worker describes how she was forced to blow the whistle on widespread sexual exploitation and abuse inside the charity, and the panel explores the ways in which leaders can tackle wrongdoing and encourage their teams to call it out.

Evan is joined by:

Helen Evans, former head of global safeguarding at Oxfam, now CEO of Cavernoma Alliance UK:
John Higgins, researcher on workplace activism and author of “Speak Up: Say What Needs to Be Said and Hear What Needs to Be Heard”;
Sarah Miller, CEO of Principia Advisory.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett
Editor: China Collins
Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar
Production co-ordinators: Gemma Ashman and Sophie Hill

(Picture: A businessman with his head in the sand. Credit: Getty Images)

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