Case Study: GE Healthcare And CSR Dilemma

Case Study 2ge Healthcare B A Csr Dilemma

Write a two to three (3) page paper in which you: Determine two (2) specific ethical issues that General Electric (GE) Healthcare faced when implementing its strategy to introduce low cost diagnostic equipment to developing countries. Recommend two (2) actions that GE can take to resolve these ethical issues. Analyze the concepts of professional and applied ethics and determine whether GE Healthcare breeched these concepts in the development of its low cost alternatives for diagnostic medical equipment. Provide one (1) specific example to support your rationale. Determine whether GE Healthcare has any responsibility in resolving the issue of a preference for male children in cultures where its diagnostic ultrasound products are sold. Recommend one (1) strategy that would enable GE Healthcare to balance its responsibility of continued growth and development with any ethical or moral concerns investors and human rights groups might have regarding the use of its equipment in controlling the birth rates of male children in some cultures. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Analyze the roles of and the relationships among organizational mission, vision, values, and strategic goals, and why they are called directional strategies. Apply analytic skills to define strategic problems, generate and evaluate strategic alternatives, and develop implementation tactics. Use technology and information resources to research issues in the strategic management of health care organizations. Write clearly and concisely about strategic management of health care organizations using proper writing mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

General Electric (GE) Healthcare’s initiative to introduce low-cost diagnostic equipment into developing countries epitomizes the complex interplay between ethical considerations and strategic business objectives. While aimed at expanding healthcare access and fostering global health improvements, this strategy also surfaces significant ethical dilemmas that warrant critical analysis. This paper identifies two primary ethical issues faced by GE Healthcare in this context, proposes actionable solutions, examines the breach of professional and applied ethics, and considers the company’s responsibilities concerning cultural practices such as gender preference bias associated with ultrasound technology.

Ethical Issues Faced by GE Healthcare

The first ethical concern relates to the potential misuse of low-cost ultrasound devices in reinforcing gender biases, specifically the preference for male children in certain cultures. Domestic and cultural practices in countries like India and China have historically favored male offspring, leading to gender imbalances. The use of ultrasound technology to identify fetal gender has, in some instances, contributed to sex-selective abortions, raising profound ethical questions about the commercialization of reproductive technologies and the company’s role in enabling such practices. This scenario signifies the risk of complicity in gender discrimination and violation of human rights.

The second ethical issue revolves around the commercialization and affordability of diagnostic equipment that might compromise quality or safety standards. To reduce costs, GE Healthcare might be tempted to cut corners in manufacturing or circumvent regulatory requirements, jeopardizing patient safety. Ensuring that low-cost equipment still adheres to high-quality standards and ethical manufacturing practices is a critical challenge for the company, balancing economic goals with the ethical obligation to patient safety and professional integrity.

Recommendations to Address Ethical Issues

To mitigate the risk of facilitating gender-based discrimination, GE Healthcare should implement policies that restrict the use of ultrasound devices for gender determination except in medical or legal contexts that prohibit sex-selective practices. Collaboration with local governments and health authorities to enforce regulations against sex determination for non-medical purposes is essential. The company can also invest in community education programs emphasizing gender equality and ethical use of their technologies, promoting cultural shifts away from gender bias.

Regarding quality assurance for low-cost diagnostic equipment, GE should establish strict manufacturing standards and rigorous compliance checks that conform to international safety and quality protocols. The company can also engage in transparency initiatives, openly reporting safety and performance data, and providing ongoing training to ensure proper usage of their devices. Incorporating feedback mechanisms from healthcare providers in target markets can additionally enhance product safety and ethical compliance.

Breaches of Professional and Applied Ethics and Supporting Example

GE Healthcare’s introduction of diagnostic equipment into markets with cultural biases may, without proper safeguards, breach principles of professional ethics by enabling unethical practices. Applied ethics emphasizes the company’s responsibility to consider the societal impacts of its products. An illustrative example is the controversy surrounding ultrasound scans being used primarily for sex determination in India, leading to illegal abortions of female fetuses. This practice highlights a breach of ethical standards, as GE’s dissemination of technology inadvertently supported gender-based discrimination, violating the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence in healthcare ethics (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Moreover, ethical lapses could include inadequate oversight or failure to enforce policies that prevent misuse, thus contributing to gender-selective practices. The case underscores the importance for corporations to integrate ethical considerations into product design, marketing, and distribution strategies.

Responsibility Concerning Cultural Practices

Given the profound cultural influence on gender preferences, GE Healthcare bears a responsibility to prevent its technology from perpetuating harmful practices. While technology itself is impartial, the company must recognize its role in either exacerbating or alleviating societal issues tied to health products. Specifically, if ultrasound devices are used predominantly for sex determination that leads to gender-based abortions, GE faces ethical accountability. It is imperative that the company actively promotes responsible usage and collaborates with local authorities to limit applications that reinforce gender discrimination.

Balancing Growth and Ethical Responsibilities

To navigate the tension between business growth and ethical concerns, GE Healthcare can adopt a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy that emphasizes ethical standards in operations and product deployment. One effective strategy is to establish an ethical compliance program that includes mandatory training for healthcare providers on the responsible use of ultrasound technology. Additionally, GE could partner with local NGOs and government bodies to support gender equality initiatives, thereby aligning their business objectives with broader social values (Crane et al., 2014).

This approach enables GE to sustain market growth while actively mitigating the ethical risks associated with technology misuse. Transparent reporting of their ethical practices and outcomes can foster trust among investors, consumers, and human rights advocates, contributing to sustainable development goals and responsible corporate citizenship.

Conclusion

GE Healthcare’s efforts to democratize diagnostic technology in developing nations are laudable for improving healthcare access. However, these initiatives come with ethical complexities, especially related to gender bias and product safety. By implementing targeted policies to prevent misuse, enhancing safety standards, and promoting gender equity, GE can uphold its ethical responsibilities while continuing to grow strategically. Balancing these priorities requires a proactive engagement with cultural sensitivities, ethical standards, and stakeholder expectations, ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to society and uphold fundamental human rights.

References

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