Global Strategic Management

1. Definitely not appropriate, 2. Probably not appropriate, 3. Undecided, 4. Probably appropriate, and 5. Definitely appropriate

The business firm should try to get useful information about competitors by:

__5__ Careful study of trade journals

Definitely appropriate- Studying a competitor trade journals or any other documentation of such is research. It can reveal the strategy of the business, if you able to see the annual reports you can see how the business is operating and how it perform the previous year.

__1__ Wiretapping the telephones of competitors

Definitely not appropriate- Taking this type of action is unethical and illegal. As far I know the only way a phone is wiretapped is legally is a police officials request it with a warrant from judge.

__4__Posing as a potential customer to competitors

Probably appropriate-Walking in competitors business asking questions and gaining knowledge of competitor's product is the same as research. We as consumers go from store to store to located the best quality and the best price. Intel this will help us with our strategy

__2_ Getting loyal customers to put out a phone "request for proposal" soliciting competitors' bids

Probably not appropriate- Business is Business, you stated loyal customers, What if our competitors offer them the same as we offer but at a lower price or more product for the same price that's too risky.

__3__Buying competitors' products and taking them apart

Undecided- This can be looked at as research. If you just what to know how there product is assembled. But, if you buying the product which intention of coping or reproducing it, it is considered theft and can lead to lawsuits.

__3__Hiring management consultants who have worked for competitors

Undecided- This could work as our advantage having management that know the business and have knowledge of competitor's strategy and business. On the hand why they are no longer with the other company, was it do to illegal and/or unethical procedures.

__1__Rewarding competitors' employees for useful "tips"

Definitely not appropriate- This type behavior is unethical. This is considered bribery. A person could end up without a job or even in jail for this type of action. I would not want an employee who was willing to give up company secrets or tips to the competitor

__4__Questioning competitors' customers and/or suppliers

Probably appropriate - This would be considered additional research. If I was able to obtain a list of my competitor's customer or supplier, I could call or visit and inquire about service rendered and price and quality. Then I would offer the same type of services or product better quality and a lower price.

__3__Buying and analyzing competitors' garbage

Undecided - Going through another business garage would be considered unethical. But according to Woodlawn Marketing Services this is called "Competitive Intelligence is a process - using legal and ethical means - for discovering, developing, and delivering timely, relevant intelligence needed by decision makers wanting to make their organization more competitive - in the eyes of the customer" (Farrell, 2003).

__1__ Advertising and interviewing for nonexistent jobs

Definitely not appropriate- This is unethical and properly illegal. This is playing with the well being of a person lively hood. Appling for job that is nonexistent.

__5__ Taking public tours of competitors' facilities

Definitely appropriate- This is considered research. If a competitor is providing tours of their