Deutsche Bank AG: Spying on Stakeholders

Description

Deutsche Bank AG: Spying on Stakeholders: Abstract

In May 2009, news of Deutsche Bank’s spying operations became public. Over a period of six years, the bank’s corporate security department had conducted secret surveillance of certain employees, board members and shareholders. Deutsche Bank had hoped to use the knowledge gained to its advantage in court or in the media. Thus, the bank faced the possibility of legal action instituted by the people it had spied on. Furthermore, news of the spying operations had the potential to damage Deutsche Bank’s reputation as a trustworthy institution.

Teaching objectives

The purpose of this case is to generate discussion and learning on ethics and corporate governance.