Monsters Inc's Corporate Culture Opened the Door for Fraud

Earlier this week I was watching Monsters, Inc. with my kids when the scene (left), where the revered scarers are walking onto the scare floor with the large scoreboard displayed behind them, came on. I've seen this movie a hundred times, but this time something clicked: The corporate culture at Monsters Inc. paved the way for Randall's unethical behavior.

Let me explain...

First there's the incentive and pressure for him to cheat. The hyper-competitive way they keep score on the job and pit coworkers against each other provides the pressure. As do the unrealistic targets: it's going to be near-impossible for anything to scare a child as much as a massive monster that could literally fit the kid in its mouth. (For a real-world example of the fraud unrealistic goals can create, see Wells Fargo.)

Then there's ample opportunity provided by [SPOILER ALERT] management who is pushing for higher numbers, regardless of the consequences or ethical failings.

Lastly, there is the rationalization (also provided by management) that the company and the power supply is more important than any number of children. This shows egoism is driving Mr. Waternoose’s ethical decisions as he places monsters needs above anything else.

Add it all together and we have the fraud triangle. It's no wonder Randall behaved unethically within this toxic type of corporate culture.