Bolstering unethical leaders: The role of the media, financial analysts and shareholders

This paper examines factors that contribute to financial misreporting by companies and the role played by the character of the CEO, financial analysts, the media and shareholders in bolstering unethical leadership in companies. Through the use of computer simulation models, it shows how a combination of CEO narcissism, financial incentives, shareholder expectations and media praise as well as unethical leadership, can do much to explain some of the findings highlighted in recent high profile financial accounting scandals.