As Jack Issel (Richard Masur) climbs the corporate ladder at I.N.C., he becomes entangled in a complex web of corruption and deceit. His guides in this murky world are two prominent figures: Scott Dantley, the chief financial officer, and Bob Nixon, the chief operating officer. These mentors illustrate the art of manipulation, teaching Jack to utilize others for his own benefit. Their sentiments resonate with Max Landsberger, the personnel officer, who warns Jack that in business, the pursuit of money and power will always overshadow the wellbeing of individuals. Meanwhile, Jane Caldwell (Jane Seymour), the vice president of public relations at I.N.C., exemplifies this mindset, skillfully using her allure to ascend the corporate hierarchy with alarming speed.
Amidst feelings of ineptitude and uncertainty about his capabilities, Jack finds himself bewildered as to why his career is progressing. The key to his rise reveals itself when he encounters Rachel (Lori-Nan Engler), the determined daughter of the ruthless CEO Pete Helmes. Her father's influence, combined with the machinations of Jack's own father, a powerful yet corrupt senator, have been pivotal in advancing Jack's career, primarily to ensure his father’s backing for I.N.C. plans to close a textile plant in Allenville and transfer operations to San Marcos, a fictional country in Latin America.
In what feels like the blink of an eye after joining I.N.C., Jack receives another promotion and finds himself headed to Allenville alongside Max. There, Rachel has rallied local communities to protest the impending plant closure, causing unrest among the townsfolk, who descend en masse, unleashing their frustrations on Jack and Max’s limousine, much to the chagrin of Sal (Eddie Albert), the flustered driver.
Intent on winning Rachel's favor, Jack makes a bold departure from standard corporate protocol; he chooses to expose I.N.C.'s true motives in an unfiltered press release. His honest disclosure ignites fury within Helmes and Senator Issel, who watch the chaos unfold on live television. Surprisingly, Jack's bravery earns him admiration from Rachel, leading to an unexpected romantic encounter.
When morning arrives, it brings a significant change within the power dynamics of the company. The ramifications of Jack's actions thrust him into the national media spotlight, branding him a reluctant hero. This newfound attention compels Helmes to reconsider his stance toward Jack, inviting him to a grand weekend gathering at his lavish estate, where fate takes another twist; Rachel reappears, now revealed to be Helmes' daughter. The evening evolves into a high-stakes gathering during which Jack is drawn into a clandestine scheme pitched by Helmes, aimed at facilitating a $2 million bribery deal with General Sepulveda, the dictatorial regime leader.
As the evening festivities unfold, Jack and Rachel seize a chance to dig deeper into Helmes' hidden agendas. In a desperate and thrilling chase, they manage to snatch a suitcase containing the illicit funds and narrowly escape the clutches of security. Their daring act culminates in revealing I.N.C.'s true intentions to the media, forcing Pete Helmes to step down in disgrace, while Jack and Rachel emerge as triumphant heroes gaining substantial shares in I.N.C.
With the dust settling from these monumental shifts, Jack reclaims his position at the company's helm as the new chairman of the board. He takes to the skies piloting a helicopter once owned by Pete Helmes, with Sal by his side as his loyal pilot, ready to steer their future in a different direction.
