Right or Wrong?
Facing Ethical Controversies
The Business & Company Resource Center
As a member of a business or organization, you will face potentially controversial situations or
ethical dilemmas every day. To be able to take make the right choice, you need to be able
research explore both sides of the issue before taking thoughtful action. Further, you must then
be able to articulate why it is in the best interest of both your business and your stakeholders.
Right or Wrong presents you with several controversial ethical questions that challenge
business world to help develop your ability to dissect an ethical dilemma and make an informed
decision. Consider the questions below, read the selected articles using the BCRC, and select
one topic to write a one page reaction paper on your position following the business school’s style
guide. Be sure to support your arguments and cite your sources.
When is Competition Unfair?
Should something be done to reign in Wal-Mart’s retail dominance?
PRO
CON
The Wal-Mart you don't know: why low prices
have a high cost. Charles Fishman, Fast
Company , 1085-9241, Dec 2003 i77 p68(8)
Should We Admire Wal-Mart? Some say it's evil.
Others insist it's a model of all that's right with
America. Who are we to believe? Jerry Useem,
Fortune , 0015-8259, March 8, 2004 v149 i5 p118
Marketing to Consumer’s Fears
Should marketers use fear tactics to change consumers’ perceptions and attitudes about
products?
PRO
CON
Florida's Anti-Tobacco 'Truth' Advertising
Campaign Credited with Lowering Teen Smoking
Rates, FSU Study Concludes; Tobacco Industry
Ads Appear Least Effective. Business Wire
March 21, 2001 p2465
'Shock' charity ads fail to move public to donate.
Marketing , 0025-3650, Dec 4, 2003 p05 (216
words)
What’s a Fair Price for Prescription Drugs?
Considering the escalating costs of health care should drug companies be allowed to set
high prices for their patented products?
PRO
Cholesterol-Busting Drugs Fatten Profits for
Pharmaceutical Companies. Knight
Ridder/Tribune Business News August 22, 2003
pITEM03234074
CON
For the Elderly, Help On Prescription Drug Cost.
Barbara Whitaker, The New York Times , 03624331, Oct 26, 2003 p3 col 01 (2 col in)