Although the protection of secrets is often vital to the survival of organizations, at other times organizations can benefit by deliberately leaking secrets to outsiders. We explore how and why this is the case. We identify two dimensions of leaks:
Although there may be risks for companies in leaking secrets, the researchers make a strong case for doing so when appropriate. It appears that some of the most prolific and careful leakers are also among the most profitable companies in the world.
You’re a few weeks into managing a beta test for a new product your company plans to release soon. You get an email from someone on your beta team that there has been a leak online. One of your testers took a picture of your company’s new gadget fresh out of the box and posted…