Today

William Boeing left Yale ironically the same year the Wright brothers made their first flight, 1903. Boeing, a defense contractor has been able to remain in the business even after the post-war development years. The organization had to expand and innovate by changing with the times. Because of the faster paced society, Boeing had to create faster, planes, which also flew higher and farther. In 2006, although Boeing had mastered their craft, their corporate compliance was in question.

A procurement scandal loomed. A $615 million fine was levied. The fine will hopefully, capture some of the money lost to the taxpayers and the government, because of Boeing’s misconduct. Two employees were convicted, the CFO and an executive. Sears, CFO hired Druyun, who was the person whom awarded contracts to the company. Druyun admitted to favoring Boeing in contracts. Two lower level Boeing employees are also accused of stealing proprietary documents used to win contracts for Air Force and NASA rockets.

Boeing’s position is that the individuals acted against company policy and without authority. The government agreed not to dispute that argument. But prosecutors could have decided differently.

According to John Coffee, professor of corporate law at Columbia Law School, a corporation is liable for the acts of any official, providing the officer is acting to benefit the company rather than himself. "This wasn't an officer off on his own personal frolic," said