Public vs. Private
The problem Public companies have is that they have to appeal to the WallStreet and the Stockholders To do this, their numbers must look good. The first to get hit, when a companies numbers are low, is the staff. Getting rid of some employees is a great way to make the numbers look good. Meanwhile, the big wigs of the companies give themselves bonuses and raises.
Or, in the case of Enron, just make up your own numbers.
Private companies, on the other hand, don't have to answer to the Shareholders. I wonder if they lay off as many folks as Public companies, and are they more honest?