Definition: Corporate code for strategically visible deception. When companies showcase minor ethical choices (like recycled packaging) to distract from systemic exploitation, wage theft, or safety violations happening just off-camera.
Think “Made in USA” stickers over Indian factory labels, or wellness programs while sending sick techs into hospital wards. It’s not honesty—it’s a smokescreen polished with buzzwords and performative audits.
Example:
The factory promoted its new recycled uniforms while investigators uncovered unreported overtime and dangerous machinery violations happening on the night shift.
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The tech company loudly advertised its free yoga classes to distract from reports it was sending untrained contractors into unsafe biohazard cleanup situations.