Wells Fargo, one of the largest banks in the United States, is in hot water. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fined the bank $185 million after it opened 2.1 million unauthorized client accounts and services that lowered customer’s credit scores. About 5,300 employees were fired for falsely opening accounts and forging client signatures. Wells Fargo reached a $110 million settlement to resolve a civil class action complaint. The bank issued a statement that “this agreement is another step in our journey to make things right with consumers and rebuild trust.”

Questions for Discussion

1. Evaluate how Wells Fargo treated its primary stakeholders

2. How can a division, like sales, operate with such a different “ethical subculture”

3. How can Wells Fargo, going forward, prevent unethical subcultures from damaging its brand and reputation