Response to Blackboard Question - John Smith

To Sell or Not to Sell

John Smith should not sell the names and phone numbers of the people that are "likely" or "very likely" to buy a new car in the next 12 months. Though he will need to lay some people off, it is more ethical to do that than go against the AMA's Statement of Ethics. If he were to sell the contact information to the car dealership, John Smith would break the Honesty part of the Statement of Ethics. More than likely, the survey said that no information will be shared or sold. The Fairness part of the Statement also states "seek to protect the private information of customers, employees, and partners". I believe the people that responded to the survey could be considered customers or even employees and their names and phone numbers could be considered "private information". John Smith should definitely not sell the information to the car dealer.

How could John Smith remain ethical AND not lay off any of his employees?

Professor Johnson's post can be found here.