In response to the Blackboard scenario

Questions: Should John Smith sell the names? Does the AMA Statement of Ethics address this issue? Go to AMA website; look at their Statement of Ethics; write a blog posting on what the AMA Statement of Ethics contains that relates to John Smith’s dilemma.


This situation is really a judgment call and it is up to John Smith to choose what to do. If he chooses to sell the names and hurt the consumers then he will hurt his company and the well-being of his 75 employees. Personally, I do not think that it would be very unethical to sell the names to the car dealer, but according to the AMA and their statement of ethics, one point clearly states " Seek to protect the private information of customers, employees and partners." Depending on how John wants his company portrayed and viewed in the Marketing industry he has a tough choice to make. Again, "Reject manipulations and sales tactics that harm customer trust." So by selling the names of the 2,000 people ready to buy a car in the next year, they might give marketers a bad name in the future.
Personally, I would sell the names if I was John Smith, but I would feel guilty doing so. It is clearly unethical, but it could also save 75 FAMILIES economic hardships and I feel that would be enough for me to sleep fine at night. Does anyone know if there could be any legal repercussions for selling the consumers names unwillingly and without their knowledge? Also, if you would not sell the names and let your company go under, how could you justify having a chance at saving 75 jobs and not take it?