Which of the following is an unethical practice related to obtaining competitor marketing information?

The practice of an OQR business associate posing as a security guard to obtain information is considered unethical because it involves deception and misrepresentation. This tactic involves pretending to be someone in a position of authority to gain access to confidential or proprietary information, which violates ethical standards in business conduct. Ethical practices in marketing and competitive intelligence emphasize transparency and honesty, and gaining information through fraudulent means not only undermines these principles but can also lead to legal repercussions.

In contrast, hiring a consulting firm to analyze competitors, conducting surveys in public places, and reviewing public financial statements are all legitimate methods of gathering marketing information. These practices comply with ethical standards as they do not involve deceit and are often within the boundaries of legal business conduct. Overall, leveraging transparency and ethical guidelines is crucial in maintaining integrity in competitive marketing strategies.