Victoria Pagan (Audio); The Ethics of Secrecy: NDAs and Accountability

The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments

Victoria Pagan is a senior lecturer at Newcastle University and she researches how knowledge is used and violated alongside morality and ethics. She explores tensions between secrecy and transparency and the use of non-disclosure agreements when misused to silence those with less power.

keywords

Non-Disclosure Agreements, NDAs, organizational behavior, ethics, power dynamics, silencing, victim support, legal perspective, moral perspective, workplace misconduct

summary

In this conversation, Victoria discusses, with David and Naomi, the implications of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in various organizational contexts, particularly focusing on their misuse to silence victims of misconduct. She explores the tension between secrecy and transparency, the moral versus legal perspectives on NDAs, and the psychological impact on individuals who are bound by these agreements. The discussion also highlights the power dynamics at play, particularly regarding gender, and emphasizes the importance of finding ways for victims to share their stories safely. Ultimately, Victoria advocates for a more supportive and accountable organizational culture that prioritizes the voices of the marginalized.

takeaways

• NDAs can be used to silence victims of misconduct.
• The misuse of NDAs raises ethical concerns in organizations.
• Power dynamics often dictate who gets silenced.
• Victims may feel they cannot speak out due to fear of disbelief.
• Legal protections for victims are often inadequate.
• The language surrounding NDAs can be deeply impactful.
• Organizations need to foster a culture of accountability.
• Restorative justice offers a potential path forward.
• Sharing stories can be a powerful form of healing.