When the manager for market intelligence of AutoCorp, a major automotive manufacturer, boarded a plane in Stuttgart, her mind was on shrinking market share and late product announcements. As she settled back to enjoy what was left of a hectic day, she reached for the in-flight magazine, which was jammed into the seat pocket in front of her.

Crammed into this already tiny space was a report with a competitor’s logo, marked ‘Confidential – Restricted Circulation’. It contained a description of new product announcements for the next two years. Not only was it intended for a small circle of senior executives, it also answered the questions she had recently proposed to an external research firm.

The proposal for the solicited research could be cancelled. Her research budget, already savaged, could be saved and it could boost her career.

She foresaw only one problem. In the last few months, AutoCorp’s newly hired ethicist had revised the firm’s Business Conduct Guidelines. They now required company employees in possession of a competitor’s report to return it or face dismissal. But it was still a draft and not formally approved. She had the rest of the flight to decide whether to return the document to the airline or slip it into her briefcase.

a What are the most prudent decisions that she can make about her responsibilities to herself and others?

b What are the implications of those decisions even if there is no violation of law or regulation?