Harvard Case - A Costly Train Journey (A)
"A Costly Train Journey (A)" Harvard business case study is written by N. Craig Smith, Elin Williams. It deals with the challenges in the field of Business Ethics. The case study is 3 page(s) long and it was first published on : Mar 26, 2015
At Fern Fort University, we recommend a multi-pronged approach to address the ethical dilemma faced by John, involving a combination of immediate action, long-term policy changes, and a robust communication strategy. This approach prioritizes ethical leadership, transparency, and corporate responsibility while ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights and data privacy.
2. Background
This case study revolves around John, a research scientist at a pharmaceutical company, who discovers that his colleague, Dr. Smith, is using company resources and intellectual property to develop a competing drug. John faces a difficult decision: report Dr. Smith's actions, potentially jeopardizing his career and potentially harming the company's reputation, or remain silent and allow the unethical behavior to continue.
The main protagonists in this case are:
- John: A research scientist facing an ethical dilemma.
- Dr. Smith: John's colleague engaged in unethical behavior.
- Fern Fort University: The university where Dr. Smith is employed.
- The pharmaceutical company: The company where John works, whose intellectual property is being misused.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
This case study can be analyzed through the lens of stakeholder theory, which emphasizes the importance of considering the interests of all stakeholders involved. In this case, the stakeholders include:
- John: His career, reputation, and ethical principles are at stake.
- Dr. Smith: His career, reputation, and potential financial gain are at risk.
- The pharmaceutical company: Its intellectual property, reputation, and potential financial losses are threatened.
- Fern Fort University: Its reputation and potential legal liability are at risk.
- The public: The potential impact of a compromised drug on public health and safety.
The ethical dilemma John faces can be further analyzed using the following frameworks:
- Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks: John can use frameworks like the Utilitarianism approach (maximizing overall good), the Deontological approach (following moral principles), or the Virtue Ethics approach (acting based on personal values) to guide his decision.
- Conflicts of Interest: Dr. Smith's actions clearly represent a conflict of interest, potentially harming the pharmaceutical company while benefiting himself.
- Whistleblowing: John is considering whistleblowing, which involves exposing unethical or illegal activities within an organization. This decision requires careful consideration of the potential consequences.
4. Recommendations
- Immediate Action: John should immediately report Dr. Smith's actions to his supervisor or the company's ethics hotline. This action aligns with his fiduciary duty to the company and protects its intellectual property.
- Internal Investigation: The company should initiate a thorough internal investigation to determine the extent of Dr. Smith's actions and the potential impact on the company. This investigation should be conducted with transparency and fairness.
- Disciplinary Action: Based on the investigation findings, appropriate disciplinary action should be taken against Dr. Smith, including potential termination of employment. This action ensures accountability and sets a clear precedent for ethical behavior.
- Policy Review and Enhancement: The company should review its existing policies regarding intellectual property rights, conflicts of interest, and whistleblowing. This review should focus on strengthening these policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Training and Education: The company should implement mandatory training programs for all employees on ethical conduct, corporate governance, and anti-corruption. This training should emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making and reporting unethical behavior.
- Communication Strategy: The company should develop a clear and transparent communication strategy to address the situation with stakeholders, including employees, investors, and the public. This communication should acknowledge the issue, outline the actions taken, and reaffirm the company's commitment to ethical business practices.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core Competencies and Consistency with Mission: The recommendations align with the company's core values and mission, emphasizing ethical conduct and responsible business practices.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations protect the interests of both external customers, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the company's products, and internal clients, providing a safe and ethical work environment.
- Competitors: The recommendations help maintain the company's competitive advantage by upholding its ethical standards and protecting its intellectual property.
- Attractiveness: The recommendations are attractive as they mitigate potential legal and reputational risks, protect the company's financial interests, and promote a positive work environment.
6. Conclusion
By taking a proactive and transparent approach to address the ethical dilemma, the pharmaceutical company can demonstrate its commitment to corporate responsibility, ethical leadership, and sustainability. This approach will foster trust with stakeholders, protect its intellectual property, and ensure a fair and ethical work environment.
7. Discussion
Alternative options include:
- Ignoring the issue: This would be unethical and could lead to significant legal and reputational risks.
- Confronting Dr. Smith directly: This could be risky, as Dr. Smith might retaliate or deny the allegations.
- Leaking the information to the media: This could damage the company's reputation and potentially lead to legal action.
The chosen recommendations are based on the following assumptions:
- John is willing to report Dr. Smith's actions.
- The company is committed to ethical business practices and will take appropriate action.
- The investigation will be conducted fairly and transparently.
8. Next Steps
The company should implement the recommendations outlined above within a specific timeframe. This includes:
- Week 1: Initiate an internal investigation and report Dr. Smith's actions to the ethics hotline.
- Week 2: Conduct training sessions for all employees on ethical conduct and corporate governance.
- Week 3: Develop a communication strategy for stakeholders.
- Month 1: Complete the internal investigation and take disciplinary action against Dr. Smith.
- Month 2: Review and update company policies regarding intellectual property rights, conflicts of interest, and whistleblowing.
By taking these steps, the company can effectively address the ethical dilemma and create a stronger foundation for ethical business practices in the future.
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Case Description
Costly Train Journey (A) tells the story of an MBA student who on graduation started an investment banking job in the City. He was successful in his first few years but commuting into London he continued to dodge the train fare until he was caught by ticket inspectors. He was asked to pay £43,000 in avoided fares or face prosecution. Costly Train Journey (B) reveals that the (A) case is based loosely on the experience of Jonathan Burrows a Managing Director at Blackrock Asset Management. Investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Burrows was judged to have failed its "fit and proper" test and banned from working in financial services.
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