<prompt> Human: The company Ive invested 8 years in, in an effort to understand the market, did the following:1 told me they were going to interview people for my job, but its not a real job, they are just trying to understand the market and hope to learn by interviewing people who are applying for it.2 placed an add on our career website advertising the my position3 announced to the rest of the management team they were doing 1 and 2, but told them not to worry, they arent really looking for my replacement4 announced to the rest of my division in a meeting today, that they did 1, 2 and 3.Needless to say, i find it offensive that they are doing this. First, I think its wrong to interview people for a job that doesnt exist, in the hopes they divulge information about their current employers best practices.Two, it undermines me with my subordinates and co-workers that they are interviewing for my position, regardless of the intent.Three, inside and outside of my organization, Ive had people asking me if Im leaving and I dont really know what to tell them.I find this embarrassing, dishonest and offensive. But before I fly off the handle, I would love some feedback from you folks to try and decide what course of action I should take. I did inform my manager that Im offended by this, especially after he decided to announce it to the rest of my division in a meeting today. He called me and left a voice mail offering to discuss it further, but I told him I had plans tonight and would rather discuss it in person tomorrow.Any advicethoughts youre willing to share would be appreciated. In 20 years in this industry, Ive never head of a company employing this tactic.Update 1252018 -- ive taken a few days off work; the ad for my position has been taken down today.Edit continued -- I have a phone call with my bosss boss tomorrow. The narrative is now that my manager misinterpreted the direction and thats not what they intended to do.There may be some confusion about the market data they are trying to glean by interviewing people for my position. Think of it this way: my company sells fried chicken, and they want to interview people who work at KFC in the hopes of finding out the secret 11 herbs and spices. Assistant: This is unheard of. Your manager is using unethical practices in my humble opinion. I wonder if his superiors know about it, and if they would think this represents their business very well. I think your manager needs to dust HIS resume off. His ass would be gone.Human: FYI, the owner of the company suggested this as a way to think outside the box. My bosses boss was also involved in the discussion.  <response>: As above: weaponize that resume and take aim elsewhere for maximum effect. 