Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the ethical implications of showcasing work from a current employer (Company A) during an interview with a prospective employer (Company B). Participants explore the ownership of work products, the legality of sharing proprietary information, and the potential consequences of disclosing such work, particularly in non-competing industries.
Discussion Character
- Ethics-related, Debate/contested, Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that the work produced at Company A is proprietary and cannot be legally or ethically shared without permission.
- Others suggest that if any work has been published in the public domain, it may be acceptable to share those examples.
- A few participants propose that using publicly available materials, such as sales catalogs or technical brochures, could be a way to illustrate one's work without breaching confidentiality.
- One participant mentions that while they have presented work from previous positions, they question whether similar documents from Company A would be considered proprietary.
- Another viewpoint emphasizes the importance of not revealing internal information, as it could raise concerns for Company B about future leaks.
- Some participants advocate for bringing printed samples to the interview for review but caution against allowing copies to be taken or shared electronically.
- There is a suggestion that redacting sensitive information might be a viable option if one chooses to share any work samples.
- Concerns are raised about the implications of discussing work verbally, as it could also be considered a breach of confidentiality.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree that sharing proprietary work without permission is unethical, but there is disagreement on the specifics of what constitutes proprietary information and the legality of sharing certain types of work. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nuances of what can be ethically disclosed in interviews.
Contextual Notes
Participants note that any work generated during employment is typically owned by the employer, and there may be legal agreements in place, such as nondisclosure agreements, that further restrict sharing information. The discussion highlights the complexities surrounding proprietary work and the ethical considerations involved.