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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of key aspects of a recently defended PhD thesis. It enables readers who may be interested in the thesis topic to gain an overview of that work and a link to the entire thesis through a URL link www.dropbox.com/s/1gikjlh6qw0v26u/Dissertation_Eduardo_Lopez_03122015.pdf?dl=0. The second purpose of this Thesis Research Note (TRN) is to explain the thesis author’s doctoral journey. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology was rooted in critical realism using mixed research methods. The approach for the paper is to provide a reflective narrative to explain the lived experience of the authors throughout the candidate’s doctoral journey. Findings – The theoretical implications of this study are the introduction of two new constructs (The Small Sins Allowed (SSA) and the Line of Impunity (LoI)) and the definition of these constructs as variables that affect corporate governance. Research limitations/implications – Although this study was intended to collect feedback regardless of geographical location, over 91 percent of responses came from the USA, Canada, and Latin America. For this reason, generalization beyond these boundaries requires further analysis. Practical implications – The practical implications are related to the application of the two constructs (SSA and the LoI) into the daily corporate governance activities. Social implications – SSA and LoI, can be the foundation for renewed and vigorous corporate governance. SSA helps to establish a level above which adherence to ethical standards is expected. LoI aids in identifying ethical fault lines. Together they help to keep unethical behaviors under control. Originality/value – The TRN provides a highly individualized account of a doctoral journey but it is intended to contribute to the growing body of TRNs published in this journal that in turn may inform decisions relating to candidates embarking on a doctoral journey.

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