Randy Simpson and Kyung Won worked as recruiters for a national job placement company. The company provided them a database of potential companies that might use a placement service as well as qualified applicants seeking jobs. After working together for several years, Randy and Kyung decided to open their own recruiting agency. When they worked for the national job placement company, both had signed an agreement not to take any company property with them if they left.

When Randy and Kyung were setting up their new offices, Kyung noticed Randy downloading files from a CD-ROM to his computer. When questioned, Randy said he had copied his list of clients in addition to names of potential new clients and qualified applicants. Kyung was worried that this act violated the agreement they had signed. Randy maintained that he had built solid relationships with his clients, and that he was entitled to take their contact information. As for the names of applicants, he argued, “These people need jobs. If I can help make that happen, I should.” What are the ethical issues? What would you do if you were Kyung?