Goldman Sachs' (GS) executives are pretty darn confident in their ability to control employees. After canceling its usually swanky holiday party, it has instructed employees not to gather for celebration even in small groups--even if no firm money goes to pay for them. By small, it has a specific number in mind--12.

This rule goes into effect in December, so we may have had a few blow-out Thanksgiving parties. Apparently, even parties in private homes are governed by the ban. While the firm wants to avoid being seen as celebrants while the rest of the country ails, the ban seems to be going a bit far? I'm sure there will be many who skirt the rules. I doubt Lloyd Blankfein will require disclosure of every personal party that just happens to have more than 12 Goldmanites in attendance. 

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- here's the article

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