Case Scenario:
Sony Hack Signals the End of Privacy
Sony Pictures Entertainment-the global conglomerate headquartered in Los Angeles-has delighted movie viewers with blockbuster film franchises such as Men in Black and Spider-Man. Recently Sony was about to release a Seth Rogan comedy when its entire data system was hacked, and countless crass and indiscreet e-mails sent by Sony executives were publicly released. Some of the most offensive messages came from studio chief Amy Pascal, a Hollywood insider who worked her way from low-level secretary to the top position in Sony's film division. Like many executives, Pascal routinely sent e-mails all day and into the night, and because she thought they were secure, she wrote freely-too freely. In the exposed e-mails, she criticized superstar Angelina Jolie, made insensitive racial remarks about President Obama, and threatened to fire a longtime colleague. The subsequent onslaught of negative publicity caused Pascal to step down amid a worldwide, humiliating scandal. She and other executives implicated in the incident shattered their hard-earned stature and indelibly ruined longtime professional relationships.
E-mail is not the only form of electronic media that has caused people from all walks of life to be shamed. Tasteless text messages have forced members of Congress to resign. An inappropriate e-mail cost a young investment banker not one but two prestigious jobs and is making the rounds on Wall Street.* The takeaway is clear: Nothing written and sent over digital media is private or confidential simply because any message can be monitored, forwarded, or printed out. The savvy business professional treats every text, instant message, e-mail, and social media post as if it will be seen by the world.
Work:
1. Summary/ Background:
- A summary or background of the company in the case.
- Include some external information for this.
2. Situation/ Problem:
- Identify the main issue or situation in the case and explain it.
3. Solution/ Conclusion:
- Present solutions to the issue in the case.
- Your solutions can be based on external research.
4. References/ Works Cited: 3 points. References must include:
- Name of magazine, newspaper, website (if it's online), Author (if any), Title of article and Date.
- At least three references.