Ashley works for McKennel and Associates, a large business consulting firm. ABC

Question

Ashley works for McKennel and Associates, a large business consulting firm. ABC Company has developed, according to industry sources, a new process of building low-emission, high mileage gas engines for automobiles. XYZ, a competitor of ABC, hires Ashley to write a report about the manufacturing process developed by ABC. Can Ashley photograph the ABC factory using a long lens? Can Ashley call the ABC plant manager and ask questions? What if the plant manager answered the questions in detail? Could Ashley simply ask for a tour of the plant without detailing why she wanted the tour? If Ashley were allowed to tour the plant, what conclusion might you reach? Discuss.

Business Law

Explanation / Answer

No. Ashley cannot photograph the factory and neither can she call the manager and ask questions, because this would be unethical on the part of the competitor and on part of the business consulting firm. ABC Company has developed a new process which is an innovative idea of the organization’s think tank; they would surely have patented it. It would not be open for public viewing as it gives them a competitive advantage in the market. If Ashley really want to ask questions, take photograph or even want a tour of the factory she should take prior permission with proper detailing of the purpose behind doing it. If the manager is letting Ashley to take photographs, take tour and even answering to her questions in detail, it means that Ashley has lied about the purpose of doing all these things.

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