Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Telescope: Squaring Purpose with Reality

Wicks, Andrew C., ...

Case

Telescope: Squaring Purpose with Reality

Wicks, Andrew C.; Mead, Jenny; Stewart, Nicholas

E-0368 | Published January 17, 2012 | 2 pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

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The management of Telescope, a wildly popular online search engine, must deal with a security breach in which information from thousands of users has been compromised. Technically?thanks to its carefully worded terms of use?the company is not financially liable for any ensuing damage. But Telescope prides itself on its commitment to acting responsibly. CEO and Co-Founder Spencer Milo must reconcile what the company stands for and how his organization can square its sense of purpose and faith with the actions that might be necessary to keep Telescope a thriving business.

Discuss the right of a company (or government office) to interject spiritual or religious overtones into a business and, conversely, the rights of employees to express their own spirituality or religious beliefs. Examine what happens when the underlying spiritual principles collide with the realities of maintaining a successful business. Question whether there are any rights or duties at stake. Examine the principles involved in Spencer Milo's decision.