Journalist

In September 1994, Jon’s article in Business Ethics on The Body Shop cosmetic company, “Shattered Image: Is The Body Shop Too Good to Be True?” forever shattered the ‘socially responsible’ business myth. The article, which was honored with a National Press Club Award, carefully documented the exploitative business practices and hypocritical marketing of many firms that promote themselves as progressive and “green.” This article became an instant classic in business ethics studies. The Body Shop saga, as it came to be known, is one of the most intriguing case studies in modern business.

Researchers might be particularly interested in the “Social and Environmental Audit of The Body Shop,” which Jon produced first in 1996, as background research on the company. At the time, Body Shop had hired the Hill & Knowlton public relations firm (which launched the tobacco lobby) and the notorious corporate British law firm Lovell White Durrant. Jon had only the facts on his side.

Note that this analysis was prepared without the cooperation of Body Shop. In fact, BSI has engaged in numerous covert and overt attempts to block such research and discourage its dissemination. Considering these limitations, and to the best of the author’s understanding, this review of Body Shop’s character and operations is factually accurate and in context.