56. This statement is ambiguous. It could mean, literally1, that business success
depends on knowing more than anyone else about one's operations, products and
markets. Or it could be a subtle recommendation to acquire privileged information, by
whatever means, to use for one's own advantage. I agree with the statement in the first
sense. However, I strongly disagree with many implications of the second possible
meaning.
It goes without saying that competitive edge in business is a function of
knowledge. It is crucial to fully2 understand the technology and uses of one's products;
and it is prudent3 to micromanage operations, knowing as much as possible about the
small details that can add up to a significant economic difference. It is also prudent, and
legitimate4, to take every measure to protect that knowledge as trade secrets, since they
often play a pivotal role in a firm's competitiveness.
But the advice to know something that nobody else does could easily become
distorted. If taken another way, the advice could recommend that one dig up dirt in
order to damage or discredit5 a rival. It could also be taken to recommend stealing trade
secrets or other inside information from a competitor in order to gain an unfair business
advantage. All of these tactics are some also violate civil and criminal laws. Moreover,
the recommendation to find and use any information, even unfairly or illegally, can
backfire. People who follow such advice risk civil liability, criminal prosecution6, and
the loss of an important business assettheir good reputations..
In sum, I agree with the statement up to the point that it validates7 detailed8 and
even proprietary9 knowledge as a key to competitiveness. Insofar as the statement
sanctions unfair practices, however, following it would be unethical, bad for business,
and damaging to the character and reputation of the perpetrator.
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