Thomas Works for an Internationally-Renowned Computer Company

question 22

Essay

Thomas works for an internationally-renowned computer company. As a condition of his employment, Thomas signed a confidentiality agreement, in which he agreed not to disclose any trade secrets of the firm. The company has been researching a new computer advancement, and is on the brink of introducing this product to the buying public. Before the official product release, Thomas is considering offering information related to this new advancement to one of his company's competitors for a price. What categories of ethical behavior might be impacted by Thomas' decision to disclose this information to his employer's competitor?

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Definitions:

Power Analysis

A statistical method used to determine the sample size required to detect an effect of a given size from a statistical test.

Empirical Reasoning

A method of thinking that bases conclusions on direct, observable evidence and experience.

Control Group

A standard or baseline group in an experiment or study that does not receive the treatment or intervention being tested, for comparison purposes.

Demographic Data

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it, including information such as age, gender, income, and education.