GS4 · UPSC Mains
As a research and development analyst in a leading nutraceutical company, you have been actively involved in the development of a nutrient-rich biomass that improves skin and bone health. The research outcomes are promising, and your team is enthusiastic about the upcoming product launch. During routine inter-team meetings, you accidentally come across research trials and documents related to another product of your company. This product claims to reduce weight and enhance immunity, but upon closer inspection, you discover that the trials were falsely conducted, and the research outcomes were generalized, however, there were no side-effects of the product. The product works on the placebo effect only. The team responsible for this product seems to have overlooked taking these documents along with them after the inter-team meeting. As per company's policy, going through the research trials of other teams is strictly prohibited. The false claims associated with this product contribute significantly to its high sales within the company. If the information regarding the false claims is revealed, it could potentially harm the company, leading to severe consequences such as closure, and jeopardize the years of hard work you have invested in your product, which has genuine and significant results for preventive healthcare. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) Evaluate the options available to you. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify. (Answer in 250 words)
GS4 · Case studies on the above issues
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| G Srujana | — | Vision | p.40 |
| Ajay Kumar | — | VisionIAS | p.40 |
| Aman Tiwari | — | VisionIAS | p.40 |
| Kshitij Aditya Sharma | — | VisionIAS | p.40 |
| Siddharth Kumar Meena | — | VisionIAS | p.40 |