The CEO Poll: Wikileaks will change information flow
CEOs say media frenzy unwarranted, but Wikileaks will impact corporate security practices.
Author:
Angelina Chapin
Date: December 16th, 2010
Publication: Canadian Business Online
In addition to the political implications of the documents released
by WikiLeaks, Canadian CEOs predict businesses will be affected. A
recent Compas Inc. poll revealed that execs think the biggest change
will have to do with the costs of protecting confidential information.
On a 7-point scale, where 1 means ‘not at all’ and 7 ‘a great
deal,’ CEOs gave the statement that companies will invest more in
protecting their technology systems a 5.5. When asked if companies will
develop stronger legal contracts to deter the unauthorized release of
information, they gave that possibility a 5.2. “Obviously there will be
much tighter control,” said one exec. “This will produce a huge cost to
business and government.”
Some surveyed also thought disgruntled employees might take a cue
from WikiLeaks and reveal secrets to the media (rating this factor at
4.2) or that they might bring along company secrets when they leave to
work for a competitor (rated 4.0).
In terms of wider implications for corporate America, CEOs didn’t
think the country’s image was tarnished and ranked the likelihood that
foreign corporations would be less likely to do business with the U.S.
government or companies very low. “There is a distinction between
release of defense secrets and diplomatic opinion,” said one exec. “Thus
far, the releases have been of a diplomatic category only. The
resulting fallout has likely been overestimated by media hype.”
To view complete results and additional polls, please click here.
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