Ethical Paradox, Essay Example

What is the Ethical Problem?

The ethical problem of the situation stems from Dr. Hassan having an ethical conundrum in which to test his breaking drug on US studies where the costs and time would be high, or test in one of the poorest countries in the world Albania.

The reasons why this would be considered an ethical dilemma:

• In Albania, the people would be lined up to receive cutting-edge Western medicine to treat them, this is one of the few sources of medical care that some will receive in the country.
• But when the testing was over, the drugs would stop that could cause the subjects to panic.
• Ethically testing any drugs on human subjects has it is moral objections, but also legal as well. When deciding to bypass the legalities by going to a cheaper and poorer country, than doctors are creating ethical problems in which if people were to have adverse side effects, the doctors are not qualified to treat them.
• Deciding to do the medical testing in Albania instead of the United States will help the company save money, and if the testing is successful, help the company profit.

Grey Areas

The grey areas in this open-ended question are that medical testing can be a positive thing for poorer countries that would otherwise not have access to medicines. While the testing is going on, people can be treated subsequently for other ailments while taking part in the study. This problem helps those in Albania, the doctors, and the company be a success and a measure of good will to the poor country.

The Well-Being of Others

While Dr. Abraham and Dr. Berger want the drug to be a success, they also want the company to be a success.

The Stakeholders

The stakeholders in this situation number from:

• Shareholders (investors) –these shareholders have money and sometimes time invested in the company. By purchasing stock, they have a monetary interest in the organizations. The organizations have to provide value back on the stocks that the investors purchased. More importantly the investors are more concern on their return on investment and income.
• Employees- the employees of the company have a lot invested in the company. It is a startup company, so employees will probably be making not that much, so the success of the drug is dependent on the outcome of the drug testing. The employees are a concern with their pay, the security of their job, and truth or ethical communication from the executives of the organization.
• Community- The community is a stakeholder that many do not consider because if the study is conducted in the United States than they are impacted. They have to be medically, environmentally, and legally aware of the implications of taking part in the study and the drugs will do for the benefit of the society.
• The Owners-Dr. Hassan and Dr. Berger has a lot invested in this company, as Dr. Hassan is the CEO, and he started the company himself. He is largely concerned with profitability, the longevity of the company and the drug, successfulness, growth, raising capital, and fulfilling the social goals.
• Government-The government is places a part of the company as a legal barrier, to further employment, reporting on unethical or illegal practices, legislation, and restriction on certain practices.
• Lastly is the patients or the customers- They are critical to the overall success of the company they look for ethical products, quality products and quality customer care. They want to find value and truthfulness in the company’s practices and what they purchase.

Apply Ethical Values

• The options of this ethical dilemma are deciding to do the testing in Albania with lower costs, and not time consuming. However, the company will be able to bring the drug to the market sooner, and will be a good benefit for the company and the stakeholders who would ultimately profit and get a return on investment. The downside however is the community in the United States would not benefit from free medical care as those in Albania. When the team leaves Albania however, so will the drugs, and the medical care which could lead to problems exaggerated by the medical problems associated with panic attacks, and fear.
• The second option is doing the studies in United States where the testing is longer, costlier, and will less likely bring ethics into questioning.The tradeoffs would be that the secondary stakeholders would benefit from perceived ethical practices, but the shareholders would have to wait a little while longer to see their return on investment. Other stakeholders would also benefit like the community, and customers. The tradeoffs would be however, the customers would have to wait longer for the drug to come to market, and they could also be other setbacks if the drugs are not effective.
• The third option is something that is more likely is for the company does decide to do testing in Albania, after they are finish can set up a clinic or foundation that will continue to provide conventional medical services to the community.The tradeoff would benefit all stakeholders who will benefit from ethical practices, income, revenues, and further employment.
• Apart of the testing could be conducted in the United States where they first round would not be as costly, and the second round could be tested in Albania, including a generic drug that could be provided to the community after the testing was done. Just like in the third option, each stakeholder will benefit as long as there is ethical practices and stream of revenue. This is the best option, although option three is also doable. This option lets the company test in both countries where the costs and the time would be balanced, so that the company can save money. The people of Albania would benefit from generic drugs, which are cheaper to make but also as good as the original drugs.

Ongoing Improvement

Having made the choice of conducting medical testing in both countries, the company will be able to provide medical care for those in the poor communities of Albania, and in the United States, where some could also benefit as well. While the study is being conducted, people in Albania will be able to seek medical attention to other problems in which they can receive adequate care, and the doctors could also act as clinical investigators that will help them earn more money as well. The company could still save money with the cost saved from being able to introduce it and manufactured it faster for the customers and patients that need the drug. The future depending if the option is to go well,  then they would further exercise the same option for other testing, which could benefit the company, the stakeholders, and the consumers.

References

Daft, R. L., Thomson.(2010). Management. 9th.Edition. NSU Special Edition. South-WesternCengage Learning