The Weston's Downward Ethical Spiral

This episode presents a Harvard Business School case study titled "Chris and Alison Weston (A)," published in 2011, which details the ethical descent of a successful, well-educated couple who ultimately served prison sentences for mail fraud. The narrative, told largely in the Westons' own words, explores how their actions, initially perceived as justifiable and minor, escalated into criminal behavior. It highlights factors such as Chris's demanding corporate environment, a company culture with questionable ethics, and the gradual rationalization of small, seemingly insignificant decisions that led them down a "horrific path." The case study aims to facilitate classroom discussion on ethical decision-making rather than endorse or criticize specific management practices.