Discussion Responses

Running head: BUSINESS ETHICS

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BUSINESS ETHICS

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Title Business Ethics

Name

Institution

Date

Business Ethics

The Vioxx Dodgeball case involves the Merck Company and Robert C. Ernst. The company was accused of deliberately concealing the adverse health risks that their drugs have on consumers to make more sales. After consuming the drug from Merck, Robert C. Ernst died leaving a widow. The court found the Merck Company guilty of the offense and ordered that Ernst’s widow be compensated $253.5 million for the loss of her husband. In addition to the woes that had just befallen the company, its sales made a significant 8% drop. The punishment does not, however, match the magnitude of crime committed. As much as Merck Company was in the blame, the customer was also to be blamed for accepting to buy a product which he did not have a good understanding. Consumers should not be ignorant of illegal activities that business owners participate in, as sales tactics, thus fail to research the products they buy. Before the purchase of the medicine, the customer should have carried out research on the drug over the internet and from health professionals.

The Food and Drug Administration board also contributed to the crime committed by Merck by allowing the company to sell products which had not been well researched on and tested. The role of FDA is to protect the health of consumers by assessing the efficacy, quality and safety of products before the sellers take the products to market. These products include food, narcotics, medical devices, drugs, and cosmetics. The punishment meted to Merck company did not match the offense. An attack of death should have a more severe punishment to deter other businesses from doing the same. An appropriate punishment would involve a heavier monetary compensation to the family of the deceased, and suspension of the activities of the discussions for a period. Closure of the business would not be a wise idea all the same.

References

Hilts, P. (2003). Protecting America's health. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Nesi, T. (2008). Poison pills. New York: Thomas Dunne Books.

Riley, T. (2010). Dietary supplements. New York: Nova Science.