Ethics Expert: "There's Really Only One Alternative"

By ANN Senior Editor Pete Combs

Jack Pelton is in a pickle. Outed by CBS Wednesday night as having obtained both his bachelor of science degree and his masters in aeronautical engineering from a Wyoming-based diploma mill, the Cessna CEO must "acknowledge that he's deceived his company and his co-workers and admit that he may have unfairly moved up the ladder."

So says Dr. Brian Schrag, executive secretary of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics at the University of Indiana. "Really," he said, "there's only one alternative."

The CBS "60 Minutes" story mentioned Pelton in passing, noting that he got both degrees from a university that really doesn't exist -- except on the internet.

Industry reaction was muted.

"It doesn't affect the safety of the aircraft our members fly," said AOPA spokesman Chris Dancey.

"There are a lot of things I want to say, but I better check with my boss first," said one official at the Wichita local of the Machinists Union.

But behind the scenes, almost under their breath, a lot of industry leaders and even Cessna workers said it will be a minor miracle if Pelton remains at the Cessna helm.

Postings on a Textron message board were less subtle. "[Pelton] was hired under the assumption that his engineering degrees were accredited," said one posting. Should we all buy our degrees? If so there is going to be alot of burning holes in the ground."

"One issue is, can he continue to command the respect of his employees?" said ethicist Schrag. "I think the ethical thing to do would be to resign. His board of directors can decide whether to accept it, but he has to step forward."

"Why?" asked another post on the Textron message board. "He is one of the better leaders here at Cessna. So he bought a degree, I think most degrees are overrated anyway."

But that opinion was in the minority. "This is unacceptable," said another. "Jack should do the right thing and step down."

ANN Reader input is split down the middle... between those who see Pelton as an effective leader who should "gut it out," and those who think he should resign.

FMI: www.cessna.com