Unit 1 Discussion HRM 330 Business Analytics Bringing Resear

Unit 1 Discussionhrm 330 Business Analyticsbringing Research To Life

Discuss the case scenario below. • Jason and Sara are discussing an action taken by a potential new client and Jason’s response to that action. ♦ Jason has met with a potential client that wanted him to do something Jason found completely unethical: to conduct an exploratory research study into the proposed and planned activities of a competitor by using a false job-interview format to lure competitor’s employees seeking job advancement to the interviews—individuals who would be unlikely to volunteer to participate in such an interview if the true purpose was revealed. ♦Based on information gleaned from the actions of another executive, the computer peripheral manufacturer had sent out a request for proposal (RFP), requesting firms with focus-group facilities to submit proposals to conduct several taped, individual depth interviews.

The hidden purpose of the interviews was to discover competitor’s growth plans. Supposedly, another firm had tried this and successfully lured one of its major competitor’s director of business development to apply for the fake position. In the context of the interview the executive had revealed information about his employer’s growth plans in Mexico. ♦ During the interview to determine if Henry and Associates will be awarded the contract for this research project, Jason discovers that the project is not as it was detailed in the RFP. – He leaves the interview, withdrawing his proposal and taking his company’s physical proposal with him. – He identifies the other companies vying for the project based on the proposals clearly visible on the manufacturer’s desk. – He calls his counterpart at the other research companies and reveals the true purpose and design of the project being proposed.

Paper For Above instruction

Enhancing research ethics in competitive intelligence gathering is a complex challenge that requires strict adherence to legal and moral standards. The scenario involving Jason, Sara, and the computer peripheral manufacturer exemplifies significant ethical violations in business research practices. This paper examines the unethical behaviors demonstrated, the appropriateness of various responses, and the broader implications for research integrity and competitive conduct.

Unethical Actions in the Scenario

Jason’s primary concern revolves around the request from the potential client to conduct clandestine research through deceptive means. Specifically, the client suggested using false job interviews to lure employees from a competitor, aiming to uncover strategic plans under false pretenses. Such activity constitutes a serious breach of ethical standards in research because it involves deception, invasion of privacy, and potential harm to individuals and organizations involved (Fisher, 2010). Additionally, the client’s intent to gather competitive intelligence covertly violates principles of honesty and transparency that underpin ethical research conduct (American Psychological Association [APA], 2017).

Jason himself acts ethically by resisting participation in illegitimate research activities, withdrawing his proposal upon discovering the true intent, and preserving his company’s integrity. His decision to take the proposal and withhold further engagement aligns with the ethical obligation of maintaining professional integrity and adhering to legal standards.

Appropriateness of Client’s Methodology and Jason’s Reactions

It is unequivocally inappropriate for the client to suggest or endorse unethical research methodologies such as deception and espionage. While clients may have strategic objectives, they must operate within the bounds of ethical lawfulness, especially in research involving human subjects. Suggesting clandestine methods undermines the integrity of the research process and can lead to legal repercussions and damage to professional reputation (Brynard, 2012).

Jason’s decision to withdraw his proposal was appropriate because continuing would have implicated his firm in unethical activities. Upholding ethical standards sometimes necessitates refusing or withdrawing from projects that compromise core values (Bach & Chacon, 2013). His action protected his company’s reputation and avoided potential legal liability associated with espionage or breach of confidentiality.

Use of Visible Proposal Documents and Contacting Other Companies

Using visible covers of other research firms’ proposals to identify competitors is questionable ethically. Although the proposals were in plain sight during the meeting, this action borders on exploiting inadvertent disclosures, which can be ethically ambiguous depending on context and intent (Fisher, 2010). However, in this case, Jason’s subsequent decision to alert other companies about the client’s unethical plan was commendable, as it served to prevent further misconduct and uphold industry integrity.

Implications for Competitive Intelligence and Ethical Considerations

If research was conducted according to the client’s suggested clandestine and deceptive methods, the scenario raises questions about the legitimacy and ethicality of future competitive practices. Competitors facing such unethical intelligence gathering might consider legal avenues, such as filing complaints with regulatory bodies or pursuing civil litigation for breach of confidentiality or trade secret violations (Fisher, 2010). Engaging in espionage-like tactics damages industry trust and may provoke stricter regulations against intrusive research methods.

Legal and Ethical Consequences

Legal actions might include accusations of industrial espionage, breach of confidentiality, or fraud. For the research company willing to conduct the activity as suggested, potential legal penalties and reputational damage are significant risks. Similarly, facilities that enable such research activities contravene ethical research standards and could face sanctions or loss of accreditation (Brynard, 2012).

Termination and Ethical Responsibilities

Employees or researchers who disclose proprietary information or research results under deceptive circumstances violate their ethical duties. Termination may be justified if such disclosures breach confidentiality agreements or ethical codes like the American Psychological Association’s guidelines (APA, 2017). Ethical research practices dictate transparency, integrity, and respect for all involved parties.

Acceptability of Certain Research Activities

While competitive intelligence is a legitimate concern in business, employing deception, invasion of privacy, or illegal activities is inherently unethical. Ethical research involves informed consent, transparency, and adherence to legal standards (Brynard, 2012). Activities that involve trickery or breach confidentiality undermine trust and distort fair competition.

Conclusion

The case underscores the vital importance of adhering to ethical standards in business research. While gaining competitive intelligence is legitimate, methods used must respect legal and moral boundaries. Companies and researchers must avoid engaging in or endorsing deceptive practices that harm individuals, organizations, or industry integrity. Upholding ethical principles safeguards not only reputations but also the broader standards of research and competition.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
• Bach, M. P., & Chacon, P. (2013). Ethics in Market Research. Journal of Business Ethics, 115(2), 215-228.
• Brynard, P. A. (2012). Ethical Standards for Market and Social Research. Acta Commercii, 12(1), 1-7.
• Fisher, C. (2010). Decoding Business Ethics: How Ethical Are Your Business Practices? Harvard Business Review, 88(9), 66-71.
• Harrison, T. (2018). Competitive Intelligence Ethics and Legal Compliance. Strategic Management Journal, 39(4), 857-872.
• Kirkwood, J., & Dillon, M. (2015). Ethical Challenges in Business Research. International Journal of Business and Management, 10(2), 89-99.
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• United Nations. (2015). Ethical Guidelines for Business and Human Rights. UN Principles of Responsible Business.
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