UK: BEHIND CHINESE WALLS.

Thin-skinned managements can put analysts on the spot.

Some companies - or, rather, the heads of some companies - have remarkably thin skins. They would rather shun publicity than risk the possibility that some less than favourable item might make the slightest dent in the corporate ego, let alone its share price. If subjected to criticism they will instantly fire off a sharp rebuke if it's fair comment, and a solicitor's letter if it's not. Other leaders of industry are thoroughly laid back, reckoning that, if they deal fairly with the media, journalists will generally respond in like manner.