WHY THE ZEBRA’S STRIPES ARE IMPORTANT: PROTECTING ORGANIZATION INTELLECTUAL ASSETS

Abstract

This article discusses a framework to protect proprietary information drawing upon the Zebra as a metaphor to protect the information that matters to a business. The discourse to shield proprietary information in successful enterprises is divided in four parts in this paper. The first part deliberates about the nature and description of knowhow and how it can be protected from intrusion. Knowhow can be safe by limiting the number of personnel with access to proprietary data within an organization. The second portion debates about recruitment and selection of potential candidates to work in know-intensive value creation system. Background checks can be supported with personality assessments to limit the appointment of those who are not qualified. The third segment examines the importance of historical data which can be analyzed and interpreted in loss control efforts. The fourth section discusses the know-how and how it is ubiquitous in most value creation systems. All practices procedures and tooling should be patented and only selected key personnel should be allowed into the company’s data bases to protect the company’s competitive advantage all the time.