Question

In business terms, what’s the difference between trying to steal clients from your old employer and trying to steal market share? In ethical terms, what’s the difference?

Answer 1

Stealing clients from the old employer is an unethical practice. It involves, joining a competitor or starting your own business and then approaching the clients of your previous employer providing them more benefits. This practice is generally forbidden by law as the employer gets a contract signed at the time of employment itself that clearly says the employee will not compete in any way. On the other hand, stealing market share is not generally considered an unethical practice. It involves attracting the customers of the competitors toward your product or brand. It is done to acquire a large market share and have a competitive advantage.  

From the ethical points of view, stealing the client is an unethical practice. It may have dire consequences if the last employer sues you or the company you work for. On the contrary, stealing the market share is not usually considered an unethical practice. It simply involves acquiring more market share in one way or another.