Ethics Case Study
This report presents an analysis of the ethical challenges faced by two organizations -- one in the not-for-profit sector named Susan G. Komen for the Cure and one in the for-profit sector named The Lubrizol Corporation. A brief background of the two organizations is provided which also includes a description of the ethical challenge. Several alternatives for each organization are discussed along with implications for various stakeholders. Out of the three alternatives for each organization, two are rejected and the reasons for rejection are also presented. The proposed solution for each organization is discussed and is followed by a detailed recommendation based on specific steps and measures to be taken by the management. The report concludes with a reflection on the qualities of an effective response to real-life ethical challenges faced by organizations.
Table of Contents
Abstract
ETHICS CASE STUDY
Introduction
Background
Susan G. Komen for the Cure 3
2.2 The Lubrizol Corporation 4
3.0 Analysis of Alternatives 5
3.1 Alternatives for Susan G. Komen for the Cure 5
3.2 Alternatives for The Lubrizol Corporation 6
3.3 Reasons for Rejection 8
4.0 Proposed Solutions 9
4.1 Proposed Solution for Susan G. Komen for the Cure 9
4.2 Proposed Solution for The Lubrizol Corporation 10
5.0 Recommendations 11
6.0 Conclusion 12
References 12
ETHICS CASE STUDY
1.0 Introduction
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a not-for-profit organization, faces the challenge of conflicting values and priorities for its funding decisions. This has resulted in the organization becoming embroiled in a controversy about discrimination and hypocrisy in providing funding to other charitable institutions. On the other hand, The Lubrizol Corporation, a for-profit organization, is likely to face a challenge from environmental investors who may not want to invest in the company because of its supporting the consumption of fossil fuels, which leads to environmental pollution. This organization has to balance the duty to be economically efficient and profitable for its investors with the demands for being socially and environmentally responsible.
This paper analyzes the ethical implications of various alternatives available to the two organizations and proposes a solution to each of them. These solutions reflect the need for organizations to formulate a formal code of ethics that accommodates economic principles for organizational sustainability, reasonable expectations of important stakeholders and the personal values of the organizational members.
2.0 Background
2.1 Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1982 by current CEO Nancy Brinker in memory of her sister's struggle with breast cancer (Susan G. Komen, 2012). The organization is widely respected as one of the leading and most influential advocates for raising awareness of breast cancer and funding research for its treatment. The organization has affiliates operating across the United States where teams of employees, inters and volunteers strive to improve the quality of life for the women suffering from breast cancer and helping their families get along with their life. The organization attracts millions in donations every year that it spends on breast cancer research and the treatment of breast cancer patients. The official slogan, Race for the Cure, has found resonance among the public so much that the organization has had to make quite an effort to prevent other organizations from appropriating it for their own drives. To date, the organization has contributed two billion dollars to breast cancer research.
An ethical dilemma that faces this organization emerged in February of 2012 when the organization decided to withdraw funding from Planned Parenthood on the grounds that it was following a policy of not providing funding to organizations that were under state or federal investigation. Planned Parenthood was at that time under investigation for whether it was using donation from federal funding to finance its abortion services (Roan, 2012). It also offers breast cancer screening and mammography services. This withdrawal caused a huge controversy and the organization was accused of discriminating against those opting for abortion for the reason that it was discovered that Susan Komen regularly funds organizations under state or federal investigation. These include the University of Texas at Austin, Duke University's Medical Center and the University of California at San Diego's Medical School (Ryan, 2012). The ethical issue faced by the organization is whether or not to resume funding to Planned Parenthood.
2.2 The Lubrizol Corporation
The Lubrizol Corporation is one of the world's renowned...
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