Corporations Are People, My Friend
Weekly Corporate Responsibility Watch | September 22–25, 2025
As corporate accountability continues to make headlines, this week brings fresh scrutiny over government contracts, lingering fallout from a global tax scandal, and ongoing concerns in industries that claim to care—yet often fall short—when it comes to ethical business practices. Here’s our latest roundup of the week’s most pressing stories in corporate ethics and responsibility.
Public Partnerships LLC Faces Bidding Controversy in New York
One of this week’s most eye-opening developments involves Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), a financial management company responsible for handling payroll services for public programs. The company is now under investigation after acknowledging that it engaged in unspecified communications with New York State officials just before it was awarded a significant contract.
The revelation has sparked concerns over the integrity of the bidding process, with critics raising questions about transparency, favoritism, and potential conflicts of interest. While no formal accusations of wrongdoing have been made yet, the mere suggestion of backchannel discussions ahead of a major contract has ignited demands for stronger oversight and reform in state procurement procedures.
Ethics watchdogs are calling for greater clarity around pre-bid communications and the establishment of stricter guidelines to ensure that all companies operate on a level playing field when competing for taxpayer-funded projects.
PwC Tax Scandal Still Reverberating Across the UK and Australia
The PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) tax scandal, which broke open earlier this year, continues to shake up the consulting world and stir debate about the blurred lines between public and private sector influence. This week, a Senate inquiry in Australia ramped up calls for reform, particularly focusing on the overreliance on consulting firms in government departments.
Key findings suggest that consulting firms like PwC have embedded themselves deeply within public agencies—raising questions about transparency, accountability, and potential misuse of sensitive information.
Meanwhile, the UK government is still feeling the ripple effects. On September 5, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned after an ethics adviser ruled that she had breached a ministerial code by underpaying property taxes. Although the issue may appear minor on the surface, it reflects a broader erosion of trust in public officials and the private consultants they frequently partner with.
Critics argue that stronger internal ethics mechanisms—both within corporations and government—are urgently needed to prevent future abuses.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Tool for Good or Ethical Cover?
A growing body of research is challenging long-held assumptions about the true impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). While many companies tout CSR as a badge of honor—highlighting donations, sustainability programs, and DEI initiatives—new findings suggest that CSR may sometimes be used as a strategic shield to justify future unethical decisions.
A 2023 study found that executives who previously engaged in positive CSR activities were more likely to rationalize questionable behavior down the line. In other words, CSR might be used to “bank” goodwill, which can later serve as a buffer against public backlash when ethics are compromised.
Additionally, a 2024 study revealed a critical disconnect: while consumers are often influenced by a brand’s CSR messaging, suppliers and internal stakeholders may remain unaffected, especially in industries where cost-cutting outweighs ethical concerns.
Fast Fashion Under the Microscope—Again
No discussion of corporate responsibility would be complete without highlighting the fast fashion industry, which continues to come under fire for exploitative labor practices and environmental degradation.
Global brands like Shein are once again being scrutinized over unsafe working conditions in their supply chains, with investigative reports pointing to excessive working hours, sub-minimum wages, and insufficient oversight. Meanwhile, the environmental impact of the industry remains staggering: textile dyeing alone accounts for a significant percentage of global water pollution, making fashion one of the most ecologically harmful sectors in the world.
Despite public promises to go “green” or support fair labor, many fast fashion companies appear more committed to quarterly profits than to lasting reform. Critics are urging governments and consumers alike to hold these brands accountable—through legislation, ethical sourcing mandates, and conscious purchasing decisions.
Corporate Responsibility—Still an Uphill Battle
This week’s developments underscore a recurring theme: corporate ethics are often reactive, not proactive. Whether it’s questionable contracts, government entanglements, or greenwashed marketing campaigns, too many companies continue to treat ethics as a PR strategy rather than a foundational value.
However, there are resources for those seeking to stay informed and drive change:
- The New York Times – Ethics Section: Deep dives into ongoing ethical dilemmas in business and government.
- Ethisphere: Rankings and analysis of the world’s most ethical companies.
- The Conversation – Business Ethics: Academic insights and commentary on the evolving world of corporate accountability.
Final Thoughts: What Does Corporate Accountability Look Like in 2025?
The line between business and government is increasingly blurred, and ethical standards must evolve to meet this complexity. Whether it’s a financial services company winning state contracts under questionable circumstances or global consulting giants like PwC navigating scandal after scandal, the need for transparency, checks and balances, and whistleblower protections has never been greater.
Companies love to talk about “values”—but this week, actions are speaking louder than words.
📰 Check back next week for another edition of “Corporations Are People, My Friend,” your go-to roundup of corporate ethics, accountability, and the latest developments in business responsibility.
