Evaluating assertions by a Wells Fargo CEO of a ‘return to ethical conduct’

We explore the language used by CEO of Wells Fargo, Timothy Sloan, to sustain claims that Fargo and its staff would behave in an ethically appropriate way future. focus on Sloan’s opening written statement Committee Banking, Housing Urban Affairs United States Senate 3 October 2017. This was intended salvage Fargo’s reputation after it had been savaged widespread allegations unethical conduct. Sloan sought display ethical leadership drawing senators’ other stakeholders’ attention (alleged) epiphany managerial mindset company. paper contributes proposing three desirable hallmarks which analyze leadership: balanced framing, principled use ideology metaphor, justified rhetoric. These are then explored assess discourse statement. The demonstrates analysis micro a can reveal lack sound appreciation human complexity large organization, superficial assumptions followership, cloud location agency for lapses. conclude submitted senate committee unconvincing enlisting belief ‘return conduct’.