Ethical Issues in the Music Industry Response to Innovation and Piracy

Author: Easley, Robert

Source: Journal of Business Ethics, Volume 62, Number 2, December 2005 , pp. 163-168(6)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The current conflict between the recording industry and a portion of its customers who are involved in illicit copying of music files arose from innovations involving the compression and electronic distribution of files over the internet. This paper briefly describes some of the challenges faced by the recording industry, and examines some of the ethical issues that arise in various industry and consumer responses to the opportunities and threats presented by these innovations. The paper concludes by highlighting the risks associated with responses that threaten further innovation, ultimately reducing the chances of finding solutions that hold appeal for all parties.

Keywords: disruptive innovation; music piracy; recording industry

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-0187-3

Affiliations: 1: 311 Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556-5646, USA, Email: reasley@nd.edu

Publication date: 2005-12-01