General Electric Healthcare: A Corporate Social Responsibility Dilemma

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Specific ethical issues
The concept of professional and applied ethics
Whether GE breeched the concepts
Specific Example
Preference for male children
Recommendation
Conclusion
Reference

Introduction

Companies meet CSR challenges on a regular basis. In fact, virtually all innovations come with social and economic challenges. Therefore, companies like General Electric (GE), among others, should act honorably to realize a suitable CSR strategy. This paper will explore GE healthcare’s CSR dilemma.

Specific ethical issues

The first ethical issue concerns use of ultrasound for illegal abortions of female fetus. Secondly, there is concern regarding the low cost of ultrasound device, which makes it easier for illegal vendors to acquire and use the device illicitly.

Recommendation concerning the first ethical issue would be to create awareness on the implications of illegal abortion of female fetus in developing countries. This would create a change in attitude and hence safe usage of the ultrasound device. The second ethical issue can be solved by avoiding sale of the device to illegal third party vendors (Singh, 2011).

The concept of professional and applied ethics

The concept of professional and applied ethics recommends behavior, which is better than that which is required in the rules of conduct. In most cases, these behaviors are deliberated as philosophical recommendations to members. Firms like GE electric, among others, are required to act professionally. Companies are required to accept their social responsibility to the community. In essence, companies are usually given minimum levels of responsibilities that are compulsory. It should be noted that the minimum rules are enforceable. The concept of professional and applied ethics requires professionals to commit unwaveringly to an honorable behavior. Moreover, companies are required to be upright even in difficulties. Above all, companies are required to adhere to integrity, competency and objectivity. This ensures that the companies provide quality services to society, and maintains integrity. Professional ethics covers responsibility to colleagues and clients, among others.

Whether GE breeched the concepts

GE healthcare’s low cost alternatives for diagnostic machine were important because they lowered the cost of accessing ultrasound services. However, GE healthcare breeched the concepts of professional and applied ethics by ignoring the two countries’ common policy on gender determination.

Specific Example

GE healthcare was aware of the countries’ policy regarding gender determination but did not help in the enforcement of these laws by selling the machines to legalized vendors only. Additionally, the company should have conducted follow-ups on third party vendors to ensure that the devices were used as required. Furthermore, GE healthcare’s marketing strategy did not help this cause (Singh, 2011).

Preference for male children

GE has the responsibility of assisting with the resolution of the issue of preference for male in cultures where their product is sold. This can be done by ensuring their products are sold to legalized vendors only. This will encourage safe use of the devices in accordance with government policies.

Recommendation

GE can balance its responsibility of sustained growth and development with investors and human rights groups by creating awareness on appropriate use of the device to its vendors as well as the public. This can be done through advertisements. Furthermore, the company can conduct follow-ups on use of these devices.

Conclusion

Approach to CSR is a common problem to most companies. GE healthcare can strengthen its presence in the market for ultrasound equipment by steering clear of illegal third party vendors who do not conform to the policies of the countries concerned. Furthermore, GE healthcare should conduct follow-ups and create awareness on proper use of ultrasound equipment.

Reference

Singh, J. (2011). GE Healthcare (B): A CSR Dilemma. INSEAD Case, 5776.

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