Please be guided by the following questions as your group writes the

analysis. I expect to read your groups analysis on the case, and not a
recycled analysis written by film critics.
The objective of the
assessment is to link the issue of business ethics in analyzing the
ethical concerns in the corporate world given extensive treatment in the
film.

Guide Questions in the Case Analysis of The Insider

MBA APEX Dole January 17, 2014
1. What are the manifold ethical questions addressed in this film? In what way were
they presented in the film?
2. In what specific way did Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company fail to uphold its
corporate social responsibility?
3. In doing a character study of Jeffrey Wigand, describe him in the following terms:
a. as an individual with personal convictions;
b. as a breadwinner with family responsibility;
c. as a corporate man with binding obligations;
d. as a citizen with social responsibility towards societys well-being.
4. What specific scene in the film presents the complex nature of the problem of breach
of confidentiality agreement? Why did you choose this scene? How is the issue of
breach of confidentiality agreement portrayed in this scene?
5. Explain the various processes that led to the solution of the problem, that is, finally
showing the original version of the taped interview conducted by Mike Wallace on
Jeffrey Wigand. Show how individual and collective actions interplayed in the
resolution process.
6. Was Wigands breach of corporate agreement justified?
We think that the breach of corporate agreement of Wigard was very must
justified and was accepted by the court. It was stated by Wigards lawyer that the
confidentiality or seclusion of the clause of the contract can change lives for the
bad and can destroy the health of people who are consumers of tabacco.
7. How is the media portrayed in this film?
The media acted as the third party on the movie. It portrayed as the third party in
the sense that they curiously and aided in exposing what might be the United
States greatest expose. They helped Mr. Wigand find a lawyer; find a safe
residence; find a security aide. We think, without the media Mr. Wigand might not
dare to speak out to the whole world what is the real score in the tabacco
industry.
8. How do you characterize Lowell Bergman and Mike Wallace as media men?
Lowell Bergman and Mike Wallace was a part of the hit television show in the
United States, 60 Minutes. They run their own show without the discretion of their
bosses. At first, both of them were very intrigue and were very interested on the
topic regarding expose in the tabacco industry. But as the time passes by and the
topic was as hot as a burning fire; Mike Wallace was a bit hesitant in previewing
their exclusive interview with Mr. Wigand because of the persuasion of the whole
company and possible destruction of the company and as well as with his whole
career. But on the other end of the line, Mr. Bergman was different, he said when

he makes a promise to its sources; he always make sure to fulfill his promises
and that mentality made him where he is now; and there is no way he would
abandon Mr. Wigand. He did everything he could think of just to pressure the
CBS Company to make him release the interview with Mr. Wigand.
9. In what way did they dispense of their personal and corporate responsibility towards
society, in general?
In the case of Mr. Wigand, he had risk everything for the expose; his credibility;
his personal life. If he was only thinking of himself, he would not have speak up.
Living in the lime life would enable him to live a peaceful life. He could protect his
family and provide their needs and wants specifically that for his eldest daughter
who has been suffering from Asthma and from time-to-time needs medical
interventions. Furthermore, Mr. could have kept his corporate responsibility and
would just kept quiet and due to the seclusion of this confidentiality agreement.
10. What do you think are the individual or collective decisions which really made a
difference, as presented in the film? Why? How would you call this act? What
personal traits did it reveal?
For us, the decisions that made an impact in the movie are the following: First,
the anonymous sender of the problem with regards the problem with Philip
Morris; if that particular person had not gave courage to drop it off into Mr.
Begmans Residence, the expose would have never been exposed to the hands
of the media and to the knowledge of the public in the first place; Second, the
decision of Mr. Wigand to meet Mr. Begman in a hotel that enabled Mr. Wigand to
accept Mr. Begmans offer on exposing the real deal in the tabacco industry;
Third, Mr. Wigands decision of doing the interview for 60 minutes and having a
legal battle with the great tabacco companies; the bravery, sacrifice and courage
that Mr. Wigand exhibited was really salutable for there are only a few brave
souls that would risk everything to fight for what they think is the right thing to do;
and lastly, Mr. Begmans persuasion in risking and doing everything to let the
public know the truth; for the truth will set everyone free.
11. Using the previous output which your group came up with (Leadership Worldview),
locate any of the principles you mention there in the context of the significant
characters presented in the film.
THIS PORTION OF THE ANALYSIS HAS TO BE ANSWERED BY EACH INDIVIDUAL
MEMBER OF YOUR GROUP, USING A SEPARATE ANSWER SHEET/S. I EXPECT
THIS INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT TO BE ANNEXED IN YOUR GROUPS COLLECTIVE
ANALYSIS.
12. In the context of the film, how would you describe heroic leadership?
Keziah: Heroic leadership is a type of leadership that is unique and interesting.
Heroic leaders shows a wide arr ay of qualities related to bravery. Bravery is
defined as ones willingness to tackle tough, sensitive issues and problems,
taking a firm stand or position on a controversial issue, or confronting difficult
people. Bravery may also includes speaking up when others are afraid to, trying
something new, different, or unknown, or breaking through rules, policies, and
obstructions in order to get things accomplished. In addition, bravery may
encompass defending the weak and less powerful or challenging established and
commonly accepted institutionalized practices that become incorrect or ill
advised. Furthermore, Heroic leaders are honest with themselves and with
others, they tell it like it is and have little patience for telling people what they
want to hear. They do not play wasteful, time- consuming games with others.
When on the receiving end of communication, they expect others to give it to

them straight, and they do not punish people for doing so. Honesty and
directness with others, however, never takes the form of brutality or insensitivity
toward others. When bad news or negative feedback must be given, it is
provided privately and with empathy and respect for the recipient. I think an
excellent example of this element of heroic leadership can be found in Katelyn
Whitty she clearly takes honesty very seriously and this is reflected in her high
integrity character.
13. Who among the characters exercise heroic leadership?
Keziah: Among the characters in the film, the one who exercised the most
leadership skill in the film would be both Mr. Begman and Mr. Wigand. But I see it
more on Mr. Begman because for me, without the presence of Mr. Begman,
nothing would have formulated and existed. At the point when Mr. Wigand was
about to give up and broke down because of the destruction in his life that the
case and expose had brought into his life. Mr. Begman did not give up on Mr.
Wigand even to the point of his suspension or forced leave. He still didnt left Mr.
Wigand and still continued to fight for what he believe is right and truthful.
14. Who among the characters you most closely identified with? Why?
Keziah: For most of us we might salute Mr. Wigand for speaking up and telling
the truth. But for me I would give my credit to Mr. Begman; why?; Because as I
have stated earlier, without some people like Mr. Begman no one would dare to
speak up; the sense of security and comfort that he provided to Mr. Wigand was
outstanding. In my own opinion, no one would expose something that big if there
is no one he relied unto.
15. In a broader sense, what is your personal definition of leadership? How do you
relate your definition of leadership with some of the characteristics of Jesuit
leadership paradigm?
Keziah: For me, the definition of leadership is a leader who exhibits bravery;
honesty and integrity; principled yet flexible; and inspires trust.
First, a leader must exhibit bravery in the sense that he never backs out for what
he think is right and would never give up. A leader must know how to choose
his/her battles carefully. Second, a leader must be honest and has integrity; a
leader who seeks the truth and would not play around like hiding around the
bush. Third, a leader must be principled yet flexible; a person who stand with
his/her beliefs yet open-minded and willing to hear the sides of others and puts
them into consideration and lastly, a leader must inspires; Inspires other to do
and follow his/her teachings based on the writtings of God.