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The Ethical Dilemma of Research and Development Openness Versus Secrecy

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  • Steve McMillan
  • Ronald Duska
  • Robert Hamilton
  • Debra Casey

Abstract

In previous research, we have argued that private companies should be more open with their scientific research findings. However, our research assumed, somewhat naively perhaps, that public institutions were quite open. Recent findings have suggested otherwise, and in this paper we explore the dilemma faced by industry, universities, and society in attempting to balance the needs of openness (to rapidly advance the body of knowledge), with secrecy (to protect the economic returns to a new innovation). Copyright Springer 2006

Suggested Citation

  • Steve McMillan & Ronald Duska & Robert Hamilton & Debra Casey, 2006. "The Ethical Dilemma of Research and Development Openness Versus Secrecy," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 65(3), pages 279-285, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:65:y:2006:i:3:p:279-285
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-005-5495-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hicks, Diana, 1995. "Published Papers, Tacit Competencies and Corporate Management of the Public/Private Character of Knowledge," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 4(2), pages 401-424.
    2. Kenneth Arrow, 1962. "Economic Welfare and the Allocation of Resources for Invention," NBER Chapters, in: The Rate and Direction of Inventive Activity: Economic and Social Factors, pages 609-626, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bjørn Hofmann, 2022. "Open Science Knowledge Production: Addressing Epistemological Challenges and Ethical Implications," Publications, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Jean-Philippe Bouilloud & Ghislain Deslandes & Guillaume Mercier, 2019. "The Leader as Chief Truth Officer: The Ethical Responsibility of “Managing the Truth” in Organizations," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 157(1), pages 1-13, June.

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    Keywords

    Openness; secrecy; science; ethics;
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