Would this happen in America? I don’t think so. Mr. Walsh, unlike the “crisis incompetent” Tony Hayward of BP has masterfully in this action has turned lemons into lemonade by declining to accept his bonus. It has been tough for British Airways, they in tough negotiations with their labor unions who are calling for strikes as well as bleeding cash. If anything, Mr. Walsh’s action is an active attempt to garner positive press and public good will. Have we seen any of the “fat-cat” CEO’s of Wall Street, Exxon, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, Anadarko or any other major US company ever turn down a bonus? Greed, greed, and greed again not accountability and ethical practices seem to be the mantra in American business today.

Willie Walsh, British Airways CEO, Turns Down Six-Figure Bonus.