Abby Pet Products Inc. Jim and Ann Stuart founded a pet products company eight years ago. The firm sells to net such items as pet toys, collars, travel kennels, food dishes, and related items. They manud some of the items and also buy from foreign suppliers. They have 12 manufacturers tatives who cover the United States and part of Canada. The firm has grown rapidly. There 43 employees, many of whom have been with the firm from the beginning. represen are Ann believes that in training new employees and holding periodic meetings with current employees, the company should give more financial information so that employees will hava better understanding of the firm's financial situation. She also thinks that employee ownership in the firm should be considered. She and Jim hold all of the common stock of the firm. re about publishing the firm's financial information or employee stock owner ship. The company has a full-time bookkeeper who does all of the financial record kee outside accounting firm assists with tax preparation. Jim feels that it's too easy for financial in- formation to be misunderstood or gossiped about and that such information could even get in the hands of competitors, customers, and suppliers. This could hurt the company's competitive position, he feels. 1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of sharing financial information with employes? 2. How could employee stock ownership be an advantage to the firm? 3. Is offering employees stock ownership and sharing financial information a positive motiva tion for employees? Or is the risk of gossip too great for this idea to work