This scenario illustrates one of the main reasons why ethical problems occur in business. What is that reason? 2.Would a person who adheres to the principle of rights consider it ethical for Green not to disclose potential safety concerns and to refuse to perform additional research on Celex? Why or why not?

QUESTION

Ethics and Decision Making

Janice Green was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Keller, Inc., a pharmaceutical company that manufactures a vaccine called Celex, which supposedly provides some defense against contracting the Zica virus. The company began marketing Celex throughout Brazil and other countries in South America. After numerous media reports that the Zica virus had mirgrated to the United States and could soon become a worldwide epidemic, the demand for Celex increased, sales, soared, and Keller earned record profits. Keller’s CEO, Green, then began receiving disturbing reports from Brazil that in some patients, Celex had caused psychiatric disturbances, including severe hallucinations, depression, and heart and lung problems. Green was informed that seven women in Brazil had committed suicide by jumping off buildings after receiving the vaccine. To cover up the story and prevent negative publicity, Green instructed Keller’s partners in Brazil to offer cash to the families of the women had died in exchange for their silence. Green also refused to authorize additional research within the company to study the potential side effects of Celex.

1. This scenario illustrates one of the main reasons why ethical problems occur in business. What is that reason?

2.Would a person who adheres to the principle of rights consider it ethical for Green not to disclose potential safety concerns and to refuse to perform additional research on Celex? Why or why not?

3.Assume for purposes of this question that the Zica virus has the potential to kill individuals who are infected. If seven Brazilian women died from using Celex to treat the Zica virus, but the drug prevented fifty Brazilian people who were infected with the Zica virus from dying, would Green’s conduct in this situation be ethical under a utilitarian model of ethics? Why or why not?

ANSWER

Ethical Considerations in Janice Green’s Decision-Making at Keller, Inc.

Introduction

Ethical problems often arise in business due to various factors. This essay examines a scenario involving Janice Green, the CEO of Keller, Inc., and analyzes her decision-making in light of ethical principles. Specifically, we will explore whether Green’s actions align with the principle of rights and whether her conduct can be considered ethical under a utilitarian model.

The Pursuit of Profit

A Common Reason for Ethical Problems The scenario presented in the case highlights one of the primary reasons behind ethical issues in business: the relentless pursuit of profit. Janice Green, as the CEO of Keller, Inc., prioritized maximizing sales and record profits over ethical considerations. This profit-driven motive led her to engage in unethical practices, such as covering up safety concerns and refusing further research on Celex’s potential side effects (Olajide, 2017). The drive to protect the company’s reputation and financial success took precedence over the well-being and safety of the consumers.

Adhering to the Principle of Rights

Disclosing Safety Concerns and Performing Research A person who adheres to the principle of rights would likely find Green’s actions unethical. The principle of rights holds that individuals have fundamental rights, including the right to information and the right to safety. By not disclosing potential safety concerns associated with Celex and refusing to perform additional research, Green violated these fundamental rights of the consumers (Avasthi et al., 2013). The principle of rights emphasizes the importance of transparency, informed consent, and protection from harm, all of which Green failed to uphold.

Utilitarian Model of Ethics

Evaluating Green’s Conduct Under a utilitarian model of ethics, the ethicality of an action is determined by its overall consequences and the greatest amount of happiness or utility it produces. In this case, if Celex prevented fifty Brazilian individuals infected with the Zika virus from dying but resulted in the deaths of seven women due to severe side effects, Green’s conduct would be evaluated based on the net utility or happiness generated.

However, it is crucial to note that utilitarianism considers the well-being and happiness of all affected individuals. In Green’s decision-making, the potential adverse effects of Celex, including severe hallucinations, depression, and heart and lung problems, were significant concerns. The suicides of seven Brazilian women further demonstrate the seriousness of these side effects. When weighing the overall consequences, Green’s decision to cover up the safety concerns and hinder further research cannot be justified. The net utility, taking into account the harm caused to those affected by Celex’s side effects, would likely be negative.

Conclusion

Janice Green’s decision-making in the presented scenario highlights the detrimental impact of profit-driven motives on ethical considerations in business. By prioritizing sales and profits over consumer safety, she violated the principle of rights and failed to act in accordance with a utilitarian model of ethics. Ethical decision-making in business should prioritize transparency, informed consent, and the well-being of all stakeholders. By reflecting on this case, it becomes evident that ethical considerations should never be compromised for short-term financial gains.

References

Avasthi, A., Ghosh, A., Sarkar, S., & Grover, S. (2013). Ethics in medical research: General principles with special reference to psychiatry research. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 55(1), 86. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.105525 

Olajide, O. (2017). Case Studies in Pharmacy Ethics, by Robert M. Veatch (2nd Edition). www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/34488082/Case_Studies_in_Pharmacy_Ethics_by_Robert_M_Veatch_2nd_Edition_ 

The Code affirms an obligation of computing professionals to use their skills for the benefit of society. (n.d.). https://www.acm.org/code-of-ethics