BusinessEthics

Jasmine,a Chemical Engineer and MBA from the University of Waterloo had recently joined the Atkins Plastics Manufacturing Group in Sarnia, Ontarioas Director of Marketing.Atkins,an employee ownedCanadian company,waswellknown as an innovator in the plastics industryand was earning a modest operating profit in difficult economic times.

For the last 6 yearsJasminehadworked for a well known international consulting organization specializing in manufacturing.Hehadconsulted to numerous companies in the plastics industry and was well known as a capable industry analyst and consultant.During herMBA studiesJasmineworked 2 of herrequired work terms for Atkins.She enjoyed the workat Atkinsand over the years had stayed in touch with theAtkinsVP Marketing and Sales. About a year ago, as an outside consultant,she wasassigned by herconsulting employer and under contract,to work with Atkins senior management in the development of anewstrategic plan.Bothshe and heremployer signed a strict confidentiality agreement. The project was exciting andthe best and most experienced peopleat Atkinsactively participated. They examineda number ofinterestingideasincluding anewcutting edgeprogramfor a rigidself-lubricatingplastic(RSLP)foruse in theautomotivepartsindustry. This technology was not new but was very expensiveandso far had limited application in mass manufacturing and production. Atkins through an unexpected fluke by a junior research scientist discovered an inexpensive processto produce large quantities ofRSLP. As a resultRSLPbecame the keystone of the new strategic planwhich was quicklyadopted by Atkins senior management.

Atkins attorneys were researching a possible process patent while Research and Development (R&D)tested andrefined the process needed to produceRSLPand test various applications. The VP Marketing and Sales was assigned toadministerthe project full time.He relocated temporarily to London, Ontario near the University of Western Ontario, where Atkins R&D offices and labs were located. In his absence tomanage his departmenthe hiredJasmineas his right handand gave herresponsibility for day to day Atkins marketing and sales activities.Jasminewas thrilled andregularly briefed the CEO and Directors on sales and marketing activity. On one occasionshe attended a product development meeting during which the Board was briefedby the VPon the status of theRSLPproject. It was exciting andthe new product applicationsseemed endless. All present wereremindedto keep the project absolutely secret. Of course secrecy in such matters was also demanded by the Atkins Code of Ethics which all employees were required to read, acknowledge and signat time ofbeinghired.

Jasminewas asked to attend the 2012 annual plastic manufacturing trade showand conferencein New Orleans, La. Whileshe was there a few odd things happened. Over lunch one afternoon with a formerconsultingcolleagueJasminewas quizzedaboutrumours over newAtkins'products.Shesmiled but stayed tight lippedaboutRSLP.Later thatsameday,whileout for a walk after a seminar,shesawthe VP of Marketingplaying golf withthe CEO of a large European competitorwho was a key note speaker at the conference.Jasminewassurprisedthe VPwastherebut there was no opportunity to say hello.Sheconfirmed he was not registered at herhotel.A few days latershe returned home.Aweek or so laterJasminereceived a callfrom a reporter of a plastics trade magazine. He askedif Atkins was about to introduce arevolutionarynew plastic.He went on to mention rumours of an impending takeover.Of course, Jasminepolitelyrefused to comment.

Immediately after thereporter'scallshecalled the VP. He was at his office inLondon.She told him about the call and herconcerns thatRSLPsecrecy was compromised. The VP sounded surprised athercall andafterJasminementioned seeing him at the conferencequickly denied being in New Orleans. He toldJasminenot to worry and just keep quiet.As the call ended the VPmade an oddremarkand toldJasmine"don't worry I have your back."Shehung up feelingunsureand deflated.Shewent home and slept little that night. The next dayshe..................................................

• What 3 or 4 courses of action can Jasmine adopt? What are the key problems or consequences for Jasmine associated with each alternative?