Principles and values
The two sides of a construction giant facing corruption allegations
IN MANY ways Odebrecht, Latin America’s largest construction conglomerate, is an exemplar of a modern, well-run and progressive business. It has a strong internal culture which emphasises training, meritocracy and decentralised decision-making. It led the way among Brazilian firms in going global, and now earns about half its revenues abroad. Its achievements have won it praise from afar. In 2010 IMD, a Swiss business school, named it the world’s best family firm. Last year McKinsey, an American consulting firm, published a highly flattering interview with Emílio Odebrecht, the chairman, which was headed: “Principles and values have helped this Brazilian family-owned conglomerate thrive.”
This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Principles and values”
From the August 22nd 2015 edition
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