56. This statement is ambiguous. It could mean, literally, that business success
# ]. G1 i0 V$ `) B- P+ l( `depends on knowing more than anyone else about one's operations, products and
, Z: \. D" H' _: ]: H1 qmarkets. Or it could be a subtle recommendation to acquire privileged information, by
3 ~- ~( s6 v1 Ewhatever means, to use for one's own advantage. I agree with the statement in the first , @) L5 ]5 W* V- k8 f
sense. However, I strongly disagree with many implications of the second possible + t# Z" v2 ?% R1 N8 Y @
meaning.: T8 S9 s9 L+ h ^
It goes without saying that competitive edge in business is a function of
$ R. h. u$ D4 _knowledge. It is crucial to fully understand the technology and uses of one's products;
& p$ [+ p ~' nand it is prudent to micromanage operations, knowing as much as possible about the
- o! n* z. u+ d" H/ Ksmall details that can add up to a significant economic difference. It is also prudent, and ) }6 U+ k8 J; ~
legitimate, to take every measure to protect that knowledge as trade secrets, since they / B) O4 p( \$ I' ]9 c, ?/ g
often play a pivotal role in a firm's competitiveness./ A7 T0 l% V" ]1 |
But the advice to know something that nobody else does could easily become 7 x) k8 z) j8 h' j) g
distorted. If taken another way, the advice could recommend that one dig up dirt in
/ T- s# |5 R- C; Y6 k- |) M7 u/ }+ Lorder to damage or discredit a rival. It could also be taken to recommend stealing trade 8 i; H c' A: j2 a% @
secrets or other inside information from a competitor in order to gain an unfair business
* Q* }) d1 H5 H+ M- i9 ~advantage. All of these tactics are some also violate civil and criminal laws. Moreover, : ]; `" r4 S+ v$ l* r
the recommendation to find and use any information, even unfairly or illegally, can
F) @3 k9 [" f3 f* Rbackfire. People who follow such advice risk civil liability, criminal prosecution, and
" [- K& C7 o' f/ R; Rthe loss of an important business asset—their good reputations..
# N O$ g8 p. p8 j# Q" ` In sum, I agree with the statement up to the point that it validates detailed and 6 [' g# h: c9 L% g
even proprietary knowledge as a key to competitiveness. Insofar as the statement ; s$ M7 p; }8 K7 B
sanctions unfair practices, however, following it would be unethical, bad for business, / C7 r/ f, `5 ^9 e
and damaging to the character and reputation of the perpetrator. |