Keeping Harvey Weinstein’s Dark Secrets

 I have provide four (4) mini-cases throughout the term. The cases are designed to encourage you to apply analytical concepts and frameworks to analyze and solve real-world business ethics scenarios. Examples of these concepts and frameworks include the leader’s character, exercising ethical influence, normative leadership theories, building an ethical small group, creating an ethical and inclusive organizational climate, and ethical challenges of leadership in a global society. A different case will be utilized; therefore, requirements for each could vary depending upon the nature of the scenario of interest. Accordingly, specific instructions and set of requirements (e.g., format, references, and page count) will be included in the description of each case.

Generally, each case should be 3 to 6 pages, 12 point fount, double spaced, APA format. Your case studies should provide an overview of the case, the key issues and how they fit in with our course material with references/citations and a sumary of finding and recomendations. You may utilise other references and citations from other sources.

Case Study 1.1

Keeping Harvey Weinstein’s Dark Secrets

Case Synopsis and Analysis

Powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, founder of Miramax and Weinstein pictures, used his wealth and influence to silence women who accused him of sexual harassment and abuse. Some victims signed nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) where, in return for cash payouts, they agreed not to discuss their cases. In other instances, Weinstein hired private security firms to dig up dirt about his accusers. Journalists and prosecutors helped Weinstein keep his dark secrets by failing to pursue stories and criminal charges. After his abuses came to light in The New York Times and The New Yorker articles, Weinstein was removed from his company and was indicted for criminal sexual misconduct and rape. Gwynith Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, and Rose McGowan report that Weinstein forced them into sexual encounters in return for movie roles.

California and New York legislators introduced bills banning nondisclosure agreements, though some victims’ advocates fear that banning them will keep women who don’t want publicity from coming forward. The Weinstein scandal may mark the beginning of a dramatic change in the film industry, which has tolerated sexual misbehavior in the past.

Objectives

  •  Present and overview and synopsis of the issue
  • Analyze the relationship between power and the cover up of abuse.
  • What resonated in our course book or discussions that is relevant.
  • Develop strategies for keeping superstars and other powerful individuals from covering up their actions.
  • Determine whos responsibility it is for empowering the unethical and illegal behavior of entertainment figures.

Discussion Guide

This case demonstrates that power leads to abuse while, at the same time, power and privilege enable leaders to cover up their abuse. How can consumers and followers keep superstars from misusing their power and hiding their actions. What is your opinion of nondisclosure agreements and of whether the Weinstein scandal means that sexual abuse will no longer be tolerated in Hollywood. (The Weinstein scandal helped spark the broader #MeToo movement that addresses sexual abuse in all segments of society.) End by considering the question of whether we should stop supporting entertainers who are sexual harassers or predators. Bring in other examples, such as Michael Jackson and R. Kelly, who have also been accused of sexual abuse.