You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health. It is a unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issue(s) that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.
Main Body
(c) I will highlight the 'scam' issue to the higher hierarchy and scheduling of research.
Merits
Merits
Demerits
Merits
Demerits
Merits
Demerits
I would choose option (3) at first, however in case no action is taken, I would choose option (2) in long term, proper research guidelines, audit by independent regulators, better whistleblower protection along with an aware citizenry are necessary to prevent such cases.
Conclusion
I would choose option (3) at first, however in case no action is taken, I would choose option (2) in long term, proper research guidelines, audit by independent regulators, better whistleblower protection along with an aware citizenry are necessary to prevent such cases.
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Page 54
Hrishikesh Rajendra
Ethics
Professional ethics and corporate responsibility
Detailed analysis of merit and demerit options
258
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16
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analytical
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