The performance of General Motors' (GM) executives has been subject to heated discussion and analysis in the American press due to the serious consequences caused by the faulty ignition in their vehicles. Briefly, the problem was so severe that from one moment to another and with the car running, the steering wheel jammed, the brakes stopped working and the air-bags were off causing terrible accidents, some of them fatal (at least 13 people died because of these problems).

However, considering the decision of holding a recall of 2.6 million cars, or compensate the families of the victims, the company opted for the first alternative until the moment the case made headlines. We highlight that it cost only 57 cents per car to replace the defective part.

Because of the seriousness and impact of this case, the global president of the company, Mary T. Barra, was summoned to appear before a committee of the U.S. Congress to explain the defects on the vehicles ignored for more than a decade. The summons main objective was to discuss the value of the indemnities to be paid to the families in mourning. It is estimated that they shall reach billions of dollars. It is noteworthy that the specialized press has been "digging deep" into this case considering the size and relevance of the company involved, i.e., a symbol of American industry of all time. Toyota, by the way, also went through a similar embarrassment, and had to pay $ 1.2 billion due to the death of 12 people. 

This scandal adds to many others  

The journalist Gretchen Morgenson of The New York Times, for example, reporting the results of an investigation performed by an independent consulting firm hired by the automobile manufacturer to find out the reasons of such a resounding managerial failure, stated that evidence were found of "bureaucratic processes that avoided responsibility", of a "pattern of incompetence" that led to lack of action regarding the defects of the vehicles.

Unfortunately, it was found that when the committee agreed with the company to implement a plan of action, the necessary implementation was not accomplished. Surprisingly, the mentioned report also admitted that it was simply impossible to determine the "identity of any decision maker" involved in the discussions. In other words, apparently a self-covered-up curtain prevailed throughout the episode.

Some employees revealed to the researchers that they deliberately avoided taking notes at meetings and records of security because they inferred that the lawyers of the company so wished. Briefly, it became evident, that however innocent lives were lost, the self-preservation of the employees caused nausea. To this scandal another two scandals were added involving executives of financial services firms in the same country. 

Outlaws are everywhere  

Examining this whole imbroglio, the bulletin of Wharton School University of Pennsylvania stated that when one sees top executives moving away from disaster with hundreds of millions of dollars in their pockets, leaving the account to be paid by shareholders and innocent taxpayers, then the danger is great.

The above cases require profound analysis and thinking, even in the light of Christian-Spiritists teachings. It is obvious that organizations exercise an extraordinary power over our lives. Although numerous services and products necessary for human life are under the responsibility of some company, it is shocking to see that they operate - at least a considerable part - impairing and/or causing damage to those who paradoxically they should satisfy or attend. However, the fact is that outlaws are everywhere - even in command of important organizations and human institutions. After all, many of their decisions are made without any consideration and respect for their consumer-citizens.

This case gained huge projection because of the area in which GM operates, but it is incredible what other organizations, let us say, less known, are doing, despite the divulged initiatives related to corporate social responsibility, corporate citizenship, sustainability and spirituality in the companies. Thus, many are deceived when they think they are only "doing their duty" when so acting. The inconsequence and selfishness of their performance at work are watched by spirituality. 

A good man respects the rights of others  

To treat the health and life of others (customers and partners) with disdain, meanness, and frivolity will certainly cause severe karmic adjustments. Today, executives and technicians generally receive training related to ethical conduct in their workplace. In addition, business schools have specific courses in their curricula, besides extensive literature available concerning this subject. Society, in turn, hopes and wishes that organizations and their members act with dignity. Despite this legitimate wish, corporate scandals flare up everywhere generating bewilderment and distrust. Important world organizations continue deceiving and manipulating whom they should, as their mission, respect and care for.

If they do so, it is because of the evil action of those who run the business. Certainly, they are not good people because, as Allan Kardec teaches in the book The Gospel According to Spiritism, "A good man, respects in his fellows all the rights assured to him by the laws of nature in the same way he would like his own rights to be respected."

Therefore, as the Spirit Emmanuel recalls, in the book Path, Truth and Life (psychographics by Francisco Candido Xavier), "we should practice a self-analysis in order to identify the quality our own actions". The blessed benefactor goes on and emphasizes "It is essential that we know the fruits of our lives, and if they benefit our brothers." After all, what is the good of having a very important position, the power of making decisions and a lot of money, but have a tainted soul? 

Let us watch the deep sources of our heart  

In the same line of reasoning, the Spirit Joanna de Angelis alerts us in the message Enterprises (psychographics by Divaldo Franco on June 9, 2004), to watch attentively "the deep essence of our heart from where the good and bad thoughts sprout" and be careful.

She also enlightens us also not to allow ourselves to "be influenced by the chatterers and market enthusiasts in favor of overriding and reckless transformations, dreamers in a world that does not know the rules of the Gospel nor the Spiritist doctrine." Finally, the mentor ponders, "Respect modernity, yes, but do not allow some of their methods of behavior to undermine the commitments to the kindness and good."

Thus, the practice of evil is not expected in our life scripts. Any evil fruits of labor even when resulting from the compliance with our obligations (however misguided) with our employer or associated with a supposed professional duty, generate heavy debts to the offender Spirit. Thus there shall be in due time a settlement before the divine accounts. Therefore, let us examine the fruits of our daily work.