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Write 600 Words On This Case Studycase Studyreadleaked Movie Traile

Read the case study "Leaked Movie Trailer" from the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Summarize the key issues involved, analyze the ethical considerations surrounding confidentiality and leakages, and provide a reasoned judgment on the appropriate conduct for the individuals and companies involved. Discuss the responsibilities of employees regarding confidentiality agreements, the implications of leaked information—whether intentional or accidental—and the potential influence of leaks on business outcomes. Additionally, explore the ethical principles that should guide decision-making in this context, referencing relevant ethical theories and frameworks.

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The case study "Leaked Movie Trailer" presents a complex ethical dilemma involving confidentiality, employee responsibility, and unintended consequences. Jessica Silliman, a fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, details the situation at a Los Angeles-based company that produces promotional materials for movies. The company’s employees, including Luke Cavanaugh, an assistant editor, are bound by confidentiality agreements designed to prevent leaks of sensitive information, such as trailers and promotional content. These agreements are critical for safeguarding intellectual property, maintaining competitive advantage, and preventing legal repercussions. The case centers around an incident where a trailer for an upcoming blockbuster is leaked online despite security measures, raising questions about ethical boundaries, individual responsibility, and managerial accountability.

Luke Cavanaugh, the assistant editor, conscientiously upholds confidentiality, refusing to disclose any information about upcoming releases to friends and family, knowing the grave consequences of breaches. Nevertheless, the leaked trailer surfaces on the internet without a definitive source, causing a dilemma for Luke. Initially, the leak seems detrimental, risking harm to the movie's commercial success and legal standing. However, unexpectedly, the leak generates increased publicity, thus boosting audience interest and potentially augmenting revenue. This outcome complicates the ethical evaluation, prompting reflections on whether the leak was inherently wrongful or simply an unintended byproduct with positive consequences.

From an ethical perspective, the foundational principle at stake is fidelity, which emphasizes loyalty and the obligation to honor confidentiality commitments. Under Kantian ethics, employees like Luke have a duty to respect contractual obligations and not disclose proprietary information, considering these commitments as moral imperatives. Violating confidentiality, whether intentionally or through negligence, breaches trust and can cause harm not only to the company but also to the stakeholders involved. Conversely, consequentialist theories, such as utilitarianism, might argue that if the leak results in greater happiness or benefits—like increased awareness and sales—it could be justified, or at least ethically permissible, despite breaching confidentiality.

The responsibility of the employee in such situations involves adhering strictly to confidentiality agreements and exercising due diligence to prevent leaks. The company, on its part, should implement robust security protocols, clear communication, and comprehensive employee training to mitigate the risk of leaks. Moreover, managers should foster an ethical culture that encourages responsible conduct and transparency without compromising proprietary information. The unauthorized release of the trailer by an unknown employee, even if indirectly beneficial, remains ethically problematic because it undermines contractual commitments and organizational policies.

The case also raises questions about organizational accountability and the precedent set by not investigating the leak. Should the company choose to ignore the breach or accept it as an anomaly, it might inadvertently weaken its stance on confidentiality, potentially leading to more leaks or diminished trust in security protocols. Such a decision could erode ethical standards, compromising organizational integrity and stakeholder confidence. The harm in a leaked trailer extends beyond legal or commercial risks; it includes intellectual property theft, loss of competitive advantage, and damage to professional reputations.

In conclusion, while the leaked trailer unexpectedly produced positive publicity, ethically, the breach of confidentiality remains a violation of professionalism and contractual obligation. Employees must respect confidentiality agreements because they uphold trust, protect stakeholders, and sustain the integrity of business operations. Organizations should enhance security measures and foster an ethical climate to prevent leaks. Ultimately, ethical decision-making in such cases hinges on balancing legal obligations, professional duties, and the potential outcomes, guided by principles such as fidelity, justice, and beneficence.

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