Reputation and social construction - L'Oreal and former CEO Owen-Jones

An intriguing example of the social construction of reputation can be seen in a recent interview in the weekly French business magazine, Le Point of the former, highly regarded CEO of L'Oreal, Lindsay Owen-Jones.  In the article, he talks of his concerns how the Bettancourt affair which has been a powerful back-drop to French politics over the last year, may have impacted on the L'Oreal brand internationally.  However, the social media comment underneath the main piece (and other media which have covered the story)  suggests his own reputation as receipient of a £90M gift from the Bettancourt family which was undeclared until recently, may be more on trial than that of L'Oreal.  However, in the developing online debate, former employees have also come to his rescue, so giving readers the chance to consider a wide range of perspectives.