Every culture has its own way of offering a public apology while keeping their fingers crossed. The Japanese have their ritual shame, the French go on the I’m-not-half-as-bad-as-the-other-guy offensive, the Russians have their hit squads.
The American version is to appeal to a higher cause, the classic “I failed to live up to the standards of the Church thereby letting down all those whom I’ve helped throughout my years of selfless service” apology.
The business version of that hit the big-time news today with the resignation as chairman and chief executive of Hewlett-Packard of Mark V. Hurd following an internal sexual harassment inquiry that found him in violation of the company’s code of business conduct through his filing of illegitimate expense reports.
In a prepared statement accepting martyrdom, Mr. Hurd said, “As the investigation progressed, I realized there were instances in which I did not live up to the standards and principles of trust, respect and integrity that I have espoused at H.P. and which have guided me throughout my career.”
Interpretation: “Sorry for trying to be perfect.”