Subject: SBR

EMM plans to implement Blockchain technology to store all of its data relating to its mines, trading and certify the ethical sourcing of all its raw materials. The chief account, Ms Petty, is currently developing a blockchain technology that will be filed for patent. Ms Petty has only recently taken up the post and has discovered that work done at her previous employer, GTP, is relevant to the project. If Ms Petty discloses this information, it will compromise a patent process at GTP but will consolidate her position as chief accountant in EMM. When she left the employment of GTP, she signed a confidentiality agreement but the clauses were not clear or specific about what information should be shared and with whom.

Ms Petty has significant knowledge of Blockchain technology but the finance director, Mr Jonson has limited knowledge of it or the new business model that EMM is trying to develop. Mr Jonson has told her that there is no need to spend a significant amount of time creating a technology to ethically source material. Ms Petty is worried about Mr Jonson's lack of technical and legal knowledge as she feels that it will affect the development of the technology. In addition, some of the data concerning ethically sourced materials has gone missing and she thinks that Mr Jonson has erased the data to try and sabotage the project. Mr Jonson has told the Board of Directors that he has an 'in depth knowledge' of the technology.

Required

Discuss the ethical issues raised by the implementation of the blockchain technology for both the chief accountant and the finance director, including any appropriate actions which should be considered to resolve these issues. (8 marks)