In relation to ISSUE 5: Selling of expired medicines to the communityMarks: 12Question 1 (6)Given that several parties (stakeholders) are impacted by the illicit selling of expired medicines by Lebo and his colleagues, an ethical issue arises. Specifically, some parties gain from this arrangement while others are put at a disadvantage. REQUIRED: With reference to the good for self, good for others principle, discuss why the illicit selling of expired medicines by Lebo and his colleagues can be considered unethical behaviour. Your answer should clearly indicate the party represented by the ‘self’ and the ‘other’, and whether any ‘good’ arises from the behaviour of Lebo and his colleagues. Question 1 is based on the content of Chapter 1 of Business Ethics, Rossouw & van Vuuren, Oxford University Press South Africa, 2023. Question 2 (3)Assume that the management of Good Heart Hospital recently released a media statement in which it stated that ‘they deem ethical behaviour important’. REQUIRED: Given the above statement, and Lebo’s reply to Neo when asked whether management knows about the illicit selling of expired medicines in the pharmacy, identify the most relevant mode of ethics management present in Good Heart Hospital. Substantiate your answer. Question 2 is based on the content of Chapter 5 of Business Ethics, Rossouw & van Vuuren, Oxford University Press South Africa, 2023. Question 3 (3)The second practical imperative in deontological ethics which flows from the categorical imperative focusses strongly on the dignity of human beings. REQUIRED: Develop an argument as to why Lebo and his colleagues might be seen as failing the second practical imperative in deontological ethics. Question 3 is based on the content of Chapter 6 of Business Ethics, Rossouw & van Vuuren, Oxford University Press South Africa, 2023.

Question

In relation to ISSUE 5: Selling of expired medicines to the communityMarks: 12Question 1 (6)Given that several parties (stakeholders) are impacted by the illicit selling of expired medicines by Lebo and his colleagues, an ethical issue arises. Specifically, some parties gain from this arrangement while others are put at a disadvantage. REQUIRED: With reference to the good for self, good for others principle, discuss why the illicit selling of expired medicines by Lebo and his colleagues can be considered unethical behaviour. Your answer should clearly indicate the party represented by the ‘self’ and the ‘other’, and whether any ‘good’ arises from the behaviour of Lebo and his colleagues. Question 1 is based on the content of Chapter 1 of Business Ethics, Rossouw & van Vuuren, Oxford University Press South Africa, 2023. Question 2 (3)Assume that the management of Good Heart Hospital recently released a media statement in which it stated that ‘they deem ethical behaviour important’. REQUIRED: Given the above statement, and Lebo’s reply to Neo when asked whether management knows about the illicit selling of expired medicines in the pharmacy, identify the most relevant mode of ethics management present in Good Heart Hospital. Substantiate your answer. Question 2 is based on the content of Chapter 5 of Business Ethics, Rossouw & van Vuuren, Oxford University Press South Africa, 2023. Question 3 (3)The second practical imperative in deontological ethics which flows from the categorical imperative focusses strongly on the dignity of human beings. REQUIRED: Develop an argument as to why Lebo and his colleagues might be seen as failing the second practical imperative in deontological ethics. Question 3 is based on the content of Chapter 6 of Business Ethics, Rossouw & van Vuuren, Oxford University Press South Africa, 2023.

Answer 1

Question 1:

The good for self, good for others principle in ethics suggests that one should not only consider their own interests but also the interests of others when making decisions. In the case of Lebo and his colleagues selling expired medicines, they are prioritizing their own profits over the well-being of their customers, representing the 'self'. This behavior is unethical as it puts the health and safety of the community at risk, representing the 'other'. While Lebo and his colleagues may benefit financially from this illegal activity, the potential harm caused to the customers outweighs any personal gain they may experience. Therefore, the illicit selling of expired medicines can be considered unethical as it prioritizes the good of self over the good of others.

Question 2:
The most relevant mode of ethics management present in Good Heart Hospital, based on their statement emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, is compliance-based ethics management. This approach focuses on ensuring that employees adhere to rules, regulations, and ethical standards set by the organization. By releasing a statement highlighting the importance of ethical behavior, the management of Good Heart Hospital is indicating their commitment to upholding ethical standards within the organization. This serves as a form of regulation and control to prevent unethical behavior, such as the illicit selling of expired medicines, from occurring within the hospital.

Question 3:
The second practical imperative in deontological ethics, which emphasizes the dignity of human beings, suggests that individuals should treat others with respect and value their intrinsic worth. In failing to disclose the illicit selling of expired medicines, Lebo and his colleagues are compromising the dignity and well-being of their customers. By knowingly selling expired medicines, they are knowingly putting their customers at risk of harm and disregarding their fundamental right to health and safety. This behavior goes against the second practical imperative of deontological ethics, as it fails to recognize and uphold the dignity of human beings.