However, rather than attempt to make up for the half-salary scam, many senior executives, including Russell Withers, resigned from their board positions. One can only assume that they were unable to handle the fallout and backlash from the Australian public, thus acting in an act of cowardice. This not only portrays a negative assumption of the organization, but jeopardizes the success of staff recruitment and retention of the workers it has. Although the majority of the board has resigned, Michael Smith The consequences of non-compliant pay situations must be highlighted, serving as a lesson to all boards and CEOs that the well-being of the personnel of organizations should be the priority rather than pursuit. of wealth and power. • The pursuit of wealth and power. Greed and business values ​​go beyond profits to concern for the personal well-being of staff. • The cowardice of Russell Withers • Michael Smith rather than resigning, he tried to repair and rebuild his reputation (ABC News,