1.4 Ethical decision-making models for biotech businesses
3 min read•july 18, 2024
Ethical decision-making in biotech is crucial. It involves using models like , deontology, and to navigate complex issues. These frameworks help professionals weigh consequences, adhere to moral rules, and cultivate virtuous character traits.
Implementing ethical decision-making in biotech businesses requires a clear process and strong ethical culture. Companies must establish codes of ethics, train employees, and create systems for addressing ethical concerns. Leadership plays a vital role in fostering an environment where ethical considerations are prioritized.
Ethical Decision-Making Models
Models of ethical decision-making
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Comparing the Virtue Ethics of East and West – Business Ethics View original
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Virtue: A Necessary Component of Ethical Administration View original
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- Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions and aims to maximize overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people (greatest good for the greatest number), considers the end result more important than the means of achieving it
- Deontology emphasizes adherence to moral rules and duties (categorical imperative), judges the morality of an action based on the action itself rather than its consequences, believes that certain actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of their outcomes (lying is always wrong)
- Virtue ethics focuses on the moral character of the decision-maker and emphasizes the cultivation of virtues such as honesty, compassion, and integrity (courage, temperance, justice, prudence), suggests that a person with good character will make ethical decisions
Application to biotech case studies
- Identify the ethical issue and stakeholders involved (patients, researchers, investors)
- Gather relevant facts and information about the case (clinical trial data, potential risks and benefits)
- Evaluate the case using different ethical frameworks
- Utilitarianism: Assess the potential consequences and choose the action that maximizes overall well-being (developing a life-saving drug despite potential side effects)
- Deontology: Determine if the action adheres to moral rules and duties (obtaining from research participants)
- Virtue ethics: Consider the moral character of the decision-maker and the virtues demonstrated in the decision (honesty in reporting research findings)
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each approach in the context of the specific case
- Make a decision based on the most appropriate ethical framework for the situation (balancing patient safety with the potential benefits of a new treatment)
Implementing Ethical Decision-Making in Biotech Businesses
Process for ethical issue resolution
- Establish a clear code of ethics and communicate it to all employees (research integrity, patient privacy)
- Train employees on ethical decision-making frameworks and their application (case studies, role-playing exercises)
- Encourage open communication and reporting of ethical concerns (anonymous hotline, regular ethics discussions)
- Create a dedicated ethics committee or appoint an ethics officer to oversee the process
- When an ethical issue arises:
- Gather relevant information and identify stakeholders
- Analyze the issue using appropriate ethical frameworks
- Consult with the ethics committee or officer for guidance
- Develop and evaluate potential solutions
- Implement the chosen solution and monitor its outcomes
- Regularly review and update the ethical decision-making process based on feedback and new developments (changes in regulations, emerging technologies)
Culture's role in ethical leadership
- Organizational culture establishes shared values, beliefs, and norms that guide employee behavior (transparency, accountability), influences the way employees perceive and respond to ethical issues
- A strong ethical culture encourages employees to prioritize ethical considerations in their decision-making (speaking up about misconduct)
- Leadership sets the tone for ethical behavior through their own actions and decisions (leading by example), communicates the importance of ethics and integrity to employees
- Leaders provide resources and support for ethical decision-making processes (ethics training, decision-making tools) and hold employees accountable for adhering to ethical standards
- Strategies for promoting an ethical culture and leadership:
- Incorporate ethical values into the company's mission and vision statements (commitment to patient well-being)
- Regularly communicate the importance of ethics through various channels (newsletters, town hall meetings)
- Provide ongoing ethics training and education for employees at all levels (onboarding, annual refresher courses)
- Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate ethical behavior (ethics awards, performance evaluations)
- Address unethical behavior promptly and consistently (disciplinary action, remediation)
Key Terms to Review (10)
Bioethics guidelines: Bioethics guidelines are a set of principles and recommendations that help navigate the ethical challenges and dilemmas arising in the field of biotechnology. These guidelines serve as a framework for making responsible decisions regarding research, development, and application of biotechnological advancements, ensuring respect for human dignity, the environment, and societal values. They play a crucial role in guiding the actions of individuals and organizations involved in biotechnology by promoting ethical practices and accountability.
CRISPR Patent Disputes: CRISPR patent disputes refer to the legal conflicts surrounding the ownership and rights associated with patents related to the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. These disputes often arise from competing claims by different institutions and researchers, highlighting the ethical, financial, and scientific implications of intellectual property in biotechnology. As CRISPR technology revolutionizes genetic engineering, the outcomes of these disputes impact innovation, funding, and accessibility in the biotech industry.
Decision Trees: Decision trees are visual representations of decision-making processes that map out different possible outcomes and the paths to achieve them. They help in analyzing choices by breaking down complex decisions into simpler, more manageable parts, making them particularly useful for ethical decision-making in various contexts, including biotechnology. By outlining the potential consequences of each option, decision trees aid organizations in weighing risks and benefits, which is crucial for making ethically sound choices in the biotech industry.
Ethical Impact Assessment: Ethical impact assessment is a systematic process used to evaluate the potential ethical implications of a project or decision, particularly in the context of biotechnology. This approach helps organizations identify and address ethical concerns before they lead to negative consequences, ensuring that ethical considerations are integrated into decision-making processes. By employing this assessment, biotech businesses can balance innovation with responsibility, promoting public trust and sustainable practices.
HeLa Cells Controversy: The HeLa Cells Controversy revolves around the ethical issues surrounding the use of human cells taken from Henrietta Lacks without her consent in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa cells, became one of the most significant tools in biomedical research, leading to numerous breakthroughs. The controversy highlights important discussions about informed consent, ownership of biological materials, and the exploitation of marginalized communities in scientific research.
Informed Consent: Informed consent is the process by which individuals voluntarily agree to participate in research or medical procedures after being fully informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives involved. This essential ethical principle ensures that participants have the autonomy to make decisions based on an understanding of what they are agreeing to, emphasizing respect for their rights and well-being.
Peter Singer: Peter Singer is a prominent Australian moral philosopher known for his work in bioethics and utilitarianism, particularly concerning the ethical implications of biotechnology. His philosophical perspectives challenge traditional views and advocate for a more consequentialist approach to ethical decision-making, influencing debates surrounding issues such as animal rights, genetic engineering, and global poverty.
Sustainable Practices: Sustainable practices refer to methods and strategies that seek to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These practices encompass environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability, ensuring that businesses operate in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the planet while fostering positive contributions to society. In the context of biotechnology, sustainable practices involve using resources efficiently, reducing waste, and promoting the health of ecosystems and communities.
Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being. It connects to various aspects of ethical decision-making, especially in fields like biotechnology, where actions are often evaluated based on their consequences for individuals and society.
Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics is a moral philosophy that emphasizes the role of character and virtues in ethical decision-making, focusing on what it means to be a good person rather than solely on rules or consequences. This approach encourages individuals to cultivate moral virtues, such as honesty, courage, and compassion, which guide their actions in various situations. It connects deeply to concepts of personal integrity and moral character, making it particularly relevant in understanding ethical behavior in complex fields like biotechnology.