College of Business Administration

Seminar in Business Ethics and Social Institutions

Discussion Questions for July 31, 2006:

1. If the Nigerian government was fully aware that Pfizer was testing an unapproved drug on the local children, does the responsibility of the test results lie with the host government or with the drug manufacturer?

2. Why are ethical standards lowered when MNE’s operate and conduct business in third world nations? How would the same actions be viewed if they occurred in the U.S.?

3. The World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki “Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects” has outlined ethical principals to provide guidance for physicians and other participants in medical research involving human subjects. What are the benefits for a company like Pfizer to abide by these guidelines when they can perform tests without oversight and regulation, which can result in billions of dollars?

4. In countries where child labor is acceptable, what is the role of government, MNE’s (as local employers), and the community to provide elementary levels of education?

5. A child is employed by an MNE and the child’s income forms a significant portion of the family’s income. Is the MNE acting unethically by hiring the child?

6. According to Social Accountability 8000 the age of child labor is lower in impoverished and less developed countries. Is this ethical?

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