Case Study 3: Discussion
Ethical Problems
This case study presents Barry Fine, the Chief Financial Officer of BioTech, with the ethical dilemma of choosing between the Center for Lung Cancer Research (CLCR), a governmental public health agency in Washington, D.C., and BioLogics, a private medical research center in Florida, as potential recipients of BioTech’s annual contribution to promote biomedical research.
Barry must consider the ethical implications of this important decision. The framework for Barry’s ethical analysis will be shaped by his conception of cancer as either a clinical matter or as a public health issue.
The demographics of the two diseases may influence BioTech’s funding decision. For example, should the tendency of WM to disproportionately affect older, Caucasian men disincline Barry to support its funding, in favor of a more “equal opportunity” disease, such as lung cancer? The answer to that question will depend on whether Barry wants to use the BioTech funds to directly address clinical cases (e.g., helping the CEO of BioLogics treat his WM) or to convey a more general, population-oriented message (e.g., highlighting the public health problem of tobacco use by exposing lung cancer as one of its long-term consequences).
Relevant Values
Barry’s decision will be influenced by several important values. First, Barry must consider the values of BioTech, a conservative, prestigious organization that will want to preserve its reputation as such. Second,Barry must consider BioTech’s like-minded investors, who want to ensure that BioTech retains its status as a Fortune 500 company. Third, Barry will be influenced by his own values, such as integrity and
psychological and/or financial security. Finally, Barry must carefully weigh the values of CLCR and BioLogics, and determine if their values are compatible with those of the other people and entities involved in this decision.
Necessary Information
Before selecting the recipient organization, Barry must gather more information.
First, Barry should consult with other executives at BioTech regarding whether the funds can be split between CLCR and BioLogics. If dividing the funds is not an option, Barry should inquire as to which organization is preferable- and why. Perhaps Barry can schedule a meeting with BioTech’s Board of Directors to discuss the benefits and disadvantages associated with each organization.
Second, Barry must obtain more detailed information regarding exactly how CLCR and BioLogics plan to use the BioTech funds. For example, it may be important to discover whether these organizations anticipate short-term or long-term results; e.g., whether they will use the funds to support further academic research, clinical trials, and/or technological development and innovation. Barry may request that CLCR and BioLogics send him proposals that elaborate on their specific intentions. This additional information would also enhance Barry’s presentation to BioTech’s Board of Directors, enabling a more thoughtful and informed decision.
Finally, Barry should review past funding decisions and reevaluate the criteria that BioTech used to make those decisions. Perhaps certain patterns or organizational profiles will emerge that would simplify Barry’s decision process.
Stakeholders to the Decision
There are various stakeholders to BioTech’s funding decision, including: BioTech, BioTech’s investors, Barry Fine (in his capacity as Chief Financial Officer of BioTech),
CLCR, BioLogics, and all current and future patients diagnosed with lung cancer or WM.
Available Options
Depending on the outcome of the above investigations, Barry may have the following options regarding the
BioTech funding decision:
Divide the BioTech funds equally (or as otherwise needed) between CLCR and BioLogic
Choose CLCR since BioTech’s funds will likely reach more people due to the prevalence of lung cancer in the general population
Choose BioLogics since WM is arguably more in need of attention and resources
Choose another worthy recipient from among the dozens of funding requests that BioTech received
Defer to BioTech’s Board of Directors to make the final decision
Decision Process
Barry’s decision process will be influenced and informed by each of the stakeholders listed above. The final funding decision will also reflect the considerations and values that have been mentioned. Perhaps a formal meeting involving Barry Fine, BioTech’s Board of Directors, the director of CLCR, and the CEO of BioLogics is the most appropriate forum for the final decision process. Attention to each of these factors, individuals, and entities is essential to making an ethical decision that will promote the public health and serve the private interests involved.
