Jennifer D.
As the SheEO, I'm obsessed with achieving gender balanced leadership and Australia's thought leader on gender diversity
What was he thinking? And what are you thinking about the antics and resignation of CEO Mark McInnes after "unbecoming behaviour involving a female staff member" ?
With the announcement yesterday that Mark McInnes, CEO of Australia's premium department store brand David Jones, has resigned from his multimillion-dollar job after "unbecoming" behaviour involving a female staff member at two company functions (see bit.ly/cmoEaj) there has been a barrage of media commentary.
Most of the TV coverage has included sound bites from women sharing their opinion. I'm particularly interested in hearing from other business men: what are you thinking about McInnes' antics, the response by the board and what it means for other CEOs?
I'm also interested to hear from other women who might have been the recipient of unbecoming behaviour as well - do you think this high profile casualty will make more women come forward and blow the whistle on their bosses?
Good Answers (3)
Georgia-Kate S.
Director Policy and Strategy at NSW Minerals Council
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While not a recipient of unbecoming behaviour, I would like to see a world where any man or woman in such a situation has the self worth, self belief, self confidence, and the personal and professional support to come forward.
However, some of the post-resignation media coverage - including the publication of the aggrieved party's full name, photo, suburb, external appearance of her apartment block, and her partner's full name - actively dissuades others in similar situations from bravely going forward.
James A.
Entrepreneur
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My question is what was the Board thinking by hiring him, he was entirely too cosmopolitan for the post in the first place. I hate to say it, but DJ set themselves up for that one. McInnes walks on air and these guys rarely believe they can be touched. The younglady did the right thing by contacting the board through a letter from her attorney. It is apparent that lady's attorney broke the story to the media. The strategy worked in the sense that by shaming the firm and brand in public, the pressure to do something decisive is required.
Now, DJ should not worry so much about the incident politically in that they have separated the issue and individual from the organization. If the Board is keen enough, they can use this opportunity to recruit more women.
The problem here is that few CEO's are as charismatic as McInnes which seems to have more to do with his own casually professional traits that could get him into trouble due to harassment.
I make it a point to always leave my office door open when anyone is in my office and ensure that at least one other individual is present.
Jennifer, as President of the National Foundation for Australian Women (NFAW) I wrote to Mark McInnes 12 months ago to tell him that his behaviour towards women was not ok. He implied (at the Retail lunch in June 2009) that unless you had a rich husband (and no job) you would not shop at David Jones. I have written to the Chairman of David Jones today to congratulate him on his decisive action, and comment on the fact that Mr McInnes never replied to our letter of 1 year ago.
Kate
More Answers (7)
Anthony S.
ICT Manager at Bott Limited
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Jennifer,
I hate to say this, but I have seen similar issues more times than I care to recall. Not always at C level - but the behaviour of too many men in senior levels of business are governed by their testosterone level.
Having said that, I would also say that it takes two to tango - and I know of more than a few women in business that seemed to be trying to catch the boss - money and power are strong aphrodesiacs. (And we men are very easily flattered by an astute woman!)
I hadn't heard of the case, but I think that the board have probably done the right thing. If his behaviour has brought the business name into disrepute, then it is gross misconduct - and any other member of staff would expect to get fired for that.
Frank F.
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I am not aware of this case, but any factually-based
unconsenting relationship should be fully exposed.
Every company should have a "whistle-blower" policy
and process to facilitate any claims about unethical
behavior of every description.
Judy B. M.
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There's a similar case in the news here concerning the now-former CEO of Penguin Canada. Harassment suits make the news when foolish men in positions of extraordinary power get their comeuppance. Really, what's new about that?
Vasco Phillip D.
writer-designer with telecoms, marketing, logistics and education background
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What I'm most interested in is that people were afraid to come forward. And I'd like to know what gives others, who may face the same fears and intimidation, the courage to come forward.
I hope that most CEOs aren't like that. I hope that this is just an exception. However, I do know of small businesses with similar antics.
I am more interested in protecting this woman after the media spotlight is off the incident. How will she be treated by her immediate peers, how will she be treated by the DJ hierarchy? Will the "boys club" close ranks so she can not advance her career? She took a very brave step and I commend her for it but more study should be done on the consequences to the victims when they have been brave enough to stand up and say "This is not acceptable behavior!"
.....didn't he walk away with a 2 million dollar payout. Where is the consequence for his actions in that?
I think there are very likely double standards, I wonder if Mr McInnes ever have cause to terminate an employee of lesser status for poor behaviour and did they recieve anything or nothing?
