Volkswagen's Dieselgate: What Gen Z’s Perspective on Ethics Means for Future Leadership

In our recent workshops on human skills in the workplace for next-generation changemakers, the Volkswagen emissions scandal came up as one of our case studies and the conversations we got from the amazing GenZs of Newman University were super enlightening.

Here is a background of the story.

The scandal, also known as "Dieselgate," involved Volkswagen using defeat devices to cheat emissions tests. By 2015, they admitted to installing these devices in hundreds of thousands of cars sold in the U.S., leading to over $30 billion in fines, and a massive reputational fallout as consequences

So we had different teams in the room share their feedback on what they would have done if they were on the team and knew their boss was cheating and they had a job to save if they blew the whistle.

It’s a simple, yet deeply nuanced question, especially in the current age where Gen Z and millennials—who form the future workforce—play a pivotal role in reshaping workplace values.

One of the standout moments during the session came from a group of students who confidently stated they would blow the whistle without hesitation. When asked why, their response struck a profound chord: they believed that if they were fired for doing the right thing, future employers would respect their integrity and hire them for it.

Their argument wasn’t just about ethics—it was about long-term professional survival in a world where transparency has become the new currency.

The narrative continues to evolve. Social media is no longer just a tool but a stakeholder in every room.

The younger generation understands that secrets no longer stay within boardrooms—bad behavior leaks online, and the digital age will hold us accountable.

Gen Z knows how to navigate this reality better than any previous generation, and they are not afraid to expose the hidden truths.

This is the future of leadership and decision-making—one driven by accountability and transparency, where human skills like empathy and ethics will matter just as much, if not more, than technical prowess.

This is why I remain both a facilitator and a student during our workshops—because understanding the evolving thought process of these future leaders prepares me, and should prepare us all, for what lies ahead.

For employers, the key takeaway is this: the generation coming into the workforce will not tolerate unethical practices. Actually its not completely about them it's about the era.

Leadership in the future will be shaped by those who can combine their understanding of numbers with a deep sense of responsibility to society.

This is the kind of next-generation leadership we strive to promote through our workshops, creating a blend of skills that balances both professional competence and moral courage.

If you are looking to cultivate true next-gen leaders, join us in shaping that future Don't be a stranger.

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.Charles Umeh is a Global – leadership author and Thought leader well-known for improving and helping the next generation in the workplace. He uses the tools of books, workshops, and knowledge events to achieve these goals. He has written and co-written six books on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

His TED Talk Think Like a changemaker is a clarion call for the next generation to align with their work and calling. Charles works with teams and executives both as a shadow board and as a Third opinion for corporates and individuals his newest book Redefining Talent Redefining Talent E-copy addresses the human skills challenge for the Executives and HR leading the next generation at work. He produces and hosts the btcshow .

Charles works with teams and executives both as a shadow board and as a Third opinion for corporates and individuals his newest book Redefining Talent addresses the human skills challenge for the Executives and HR leading the next generation at work. He produces and hosts the btcshow a reservoir of knowledge for the upward mobile and next-generation entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs You should subscribe

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