HP probed third CNET reporter, family

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Right Motives, Wrong Tactics

Though we live in a tabloid culture in which privileged information is gleefully reported, regardless of how it was gotten, there's no evidence that the problem was on the reporter's end legally, putting aside the ethical issues of publishing information not meant for public consumption just because it comes from a corporation and not an individual. (Had a disgruntled former lover of a reporter revealed some dirty laundry about the reporter to HP, which then went public with the information, there would be universal outrage. Not so with the shoe on the other foot.) To fall back on saying the leaks did no harm is disingenuous, as clearly boardroom trust was so compromised that HP felt drastic measures were called for. Moreover, more leaks would clearly be forthcoming, and they might well have harmed HP strategically and financially.

This said, sitting on a corporate board is a privilege that comes with a boatload of fiduciary responsibility to shareholders. HP should simply have called a board meeting, stated the problem, asked who the leak was, and failing to get an answer, insisted on a lie detector test from all board members, Hurd included. Anyone not willing to do this should have been forced to resign. Leaving the cancerous leaks to grow was simply not an option for HP, as to do so was to fail to protect shareholders. Personally, I'd have been first in line to take the test.

Posted by: carnac   Posted on: 09/25/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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