@Risk

For the first time since Grant Thornton began researching employment issues in its International Business Report (IBR) back in 2003, the number of businesses cutting headcount has exceeded those increasing it. In fact, Grant Thornton’s new data shows a global balance of -8 percent compared to +21 percent in 2009 – that’s a dramatic drop of 29 percentage points.

The survey, which polled more than 7,400 privately held businesses (PHBs) across 36 economies, also showed that: (more…)

Supply chains involve people, and that means there are always embedded risks from “the human element.”

Employees quit. They strike. Sometimes they get sick and can’t work. And occasionally, an employee who’s an integral component of your supply chain will lie, cheat and steal in a manner that could threaten your company’s entire future.

Think I’m exaggerating? I’m not. For proof, take a look at “Bribes Let Tomato Vendor Sell Tainted Food,” an article published last week in The New York Times.

In the article, reporter William Nueman reveals that federal agents have uncovered a startling, widespread scheme of corruption in the food industry. SK foods, one of the nation’s largest tomato processors, is at the center of the plot because according to federal prosecutors, SK Foods’ owner and others there offered bribes to a handful of corporate buyers in exchange for lucrative contracts and confidential information on bids submitted by competitors. (more…)