Problem:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a theme that we see often in the headlines. Companies that fail to address CSR issues are often demonized, while those that embrace CSR are hailed as strong examples of ethical organizations. Many companies view CSR initiatives as a growth opportunity, not just a regulatory requirement. Often a discussion surrounds a company's ability to tie CSR initiatives to gains in a company's competitive advantage and access to new business opportunities. The challenge can sometimes be related to the level of poverty within a region. In other words, being socially responsible might mean that there is no gain in competitive advantage or increase in corporate profits.
Drug Dilemmas
https://books.google.com/books?id=K0Le2urkC0cC&pg=PA255&lpg=PA255&dq=drug+dilemmas+case+6.4&source=bl&ots=crKTTEBOHP&sig=gUzE9rSQp4njgwN5lg6kwwUO_lI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UrM0U-2TCOe0sQTCwYDwBw&ved=0CCcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=drug%20dilemmas%20case%206.4&f=false
Locate an article that addresses issues associated with prescription medicine. This article can be a peer-reviewed research-based journal article or a magazine or newspaper story.
Next, reflect upon the following:
Given the nature of their product, do pharmaceutical companies have ethical responsibilities that other corporations don't have?
In your view, are the large U.S. drug companies good corporate citizens?
When it comes to life-saving drugs, do pharmaceutical companies have a moral obligation to make them available in poor countries at little or no cost? Explain why or why not. Consider the difference between life-saving and non-life-saving drugs.
How does your explanation reflect on the organizations' need to be socially responsible?
Take a theory and use that as the lens by which you analyze the complexity of the situation while answering the questions.