Hewlett-Packard Company: Corporate Spy Games

Abstract

In September of 2006, Hewlett-Packard Company submitted a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission revealing boardroom intrigue and a corporate spy scandal. Responding to information leaks from within the board of directors, board chairwoman Patricia Dunn had authorized an internal investigation using illegal investigation techniques to gain access to the confidential phone records of board members and several news media reporters. Hewlett-Packard, once a well-respected technology corporation, now faces chaos in its boardroom, challenges to its ethical values, and various government investigations. As the company picks up the pieces, it must find a way to restore customer and employee confidence in its commitment to security and the right to privacy.

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