Business Ethics

The virtue ethics of the voice of care would wholeheartedly agree that Merck made the correct decision in providing Mectizan to impoverished nations no matter the cost. They would say Merck acted unselfishly and compassionately above and beyond the call to do so. Virtue ethicists would feel proud that there are still corporate management teams choosing to do the right thing for their fellow man based on feelings of compassion, and responsibilities towards others. At the same time Merck managers demonstrated a servant-leadership style of management within their company and also as a demonstration to competitors in the field, possibly influencing business practitioners for the better.
Merck's decision to provide Mectizan to the needy whatever the cost seems to be a right decision. Utilitarians and Care advocates agree. Even Kant cannot be ruled out as saying their decisions were ethical, as his decision would be based on formulating an absolute rule regarding the situation, a rule that all rational parties would agree to. Merck, according to a majority vote of the three ethical theories studied, is acting ethically regarding their Mectizan policy.
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