Hewlett Packard's Unethical Investigation

Unethical Investigation The fourth amendment to the United States constitution tells us that ”the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated”. In other words, it is illegal for persons to go through your things without your consent or knowledge. This is fairly straightforward and simple, right? Not exactly! Patricia Dunn was accused of hiring private investigators to investigate members of the board of Hewlett Packard. These investigators used a technique known as pretexting, a practice of getting your personal information under false pretenses (Federal Trade Commission, 2008). In this case the investigators called the phone company used by each of the board members, impersonated the board member, and gave personal information to gain access to the board members’ phone records. Patricia Dunn was told this was legal but didn’t seem to look at the ethical aspect of it. Should she have been forced to resign? My answer to this question is yes! The Hewlett Packard web site states the following:
Trust and respect have always been the cornerstones of HP's success and they always will be. The values that Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard established nearly 70 years ago are as relevant today as they've ever been:
• We are passionate about customers;
• We have trust and respect for individuals;
• We perform at a high level of achievement and contribution;
• We act with speed and agility;
• We deliver meaningful innovation;
• We achieve our results through teamwork; and
• We conduct our business with uncompromising integrity.
Our values are the foundation of everything we do (HP Business Ethics, 2008).
What Patricia Dunn allowed under her watch may not have been exactly illegal, but it was definitely unethical. How could Hewlett Packard (HP) continue to claim these values if they have a board member who does not have trust and respect for other board members

References: Ard, S. (2006, September 22). Leak Scandal Costs HP’s Dunn her Chairman Job. CNET News. Retrieved on January 25, 2008, from http://www.news.com/2100-1014_3-6114655.html Background information Bonin, R. & Cooper, C. (2006 October 8). Patricia Dunn: I am innocent. [60 Minutes] Palo Alto, CA: CBS Broadcasting Inc. Darlin, D. (2006, October 4). Adviser Urges HP to Focus on Ethics Over Legalities. The New York Times. Darlin, D & Richtel, M. (2006, September 23). Chairwoman Leaves Hewlett in Spying Furor. The New York Times . Federal Trade Commission Protecting America’s Consumers. Facts for Consumers. Retrieved on January 25, 2008 from http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/pretext.shtm Hewlett Packard Business ethics, guided by enduring values Katz, L. (2007, March 15). California Court Drops Charges Against Dunn. CNET News. Retrieved January 25, 2008 from http://www.news.com/Calif.-court-drops-charges-against-Dunn/2100-1014_3-6167187.html Kirkpatrick, D Krazit, Tom. (2006, September 7). FAQ: The HP ‘Pretexting’ Scandal. CNET News. Retrieved January 25, 2008 from http://www.news.com/FAQ-The-HP-pretexting-scandal/2100-1014_3-6113011.html. Patricia Dunn Resigns from HP Board. Retrieved January 27, 2008 from http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2006/060922a.html Sarathy, R & Robertson, C MSNBC News Services. (2006 September 20). HP Ethics Officer Questioned Spy Tactics. Retrieved on January 25, 2008 from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14919183/