On Merck Corporation and Social Responsibility Essay

On Merck Corporation and Social Responsibility - Essay Example People today can notice that global responsibility is becoming more and more promoted. Everywhere, we see forms of encouragement on sensitivity to issues like environmental and ethical issues. In the past two decades, the business world has also adapted this movement in the form of the corporate social responsibility awareness. As Solomon (2004) says people can no longer accept the unethical idea that "business is business". This belief Solomon adds, was no longer excusable and just a pretext to be "socially irresponsible and personally insensitive". With this concept, businesses are to function in a responsible manner and by that make an effort in putting the business's stakeholders in consideration when company goals are dealt with. One such company is the Merck Corporation. In a time where businesses normally went for profit, Merck Corporation changed its direction to make a difference.It was in the late 1970's when researchers of Merck Corporation first had an indication that Ive nnectin (antiparasitic compound for animals) might have the ability to cure the disease called river blindness. River blindness was a disease that was predominant in third world countries like Africa and in some parts of Latin America and the Middle East. Clearly, the profit of such medicine for river blindness was already questionable. Dr. Vagelos, who was then Merck executive head for the research laboratories, was faced with the decision of approving further research that would cost a lot of money. Nevertheless, further research was done because of its potential to cure and not on its potential to profit. A considerable amount of money was already spent in developing the animal medicine ivermectin and developing another one fit for human consumption was premeditated to cost less than developing a new medicine. And so, Merck Corporation was able to produce a cure and named it Mectizan. When government agencies of the third world countries were unable to purchase the medicine for their people, Merck Corporation headed by Dr. Vagelos, who was then CEO of Merck Company, agreed to give Mectizan to countries that badly needed it for free. Through the years, it has become to be known as the MECTIZAN Donation Program, a fusion of partnerships between private and public agencies to aid developing countries in their fight against river blindness. We see a commendable company that takes risks for the betterment of those who they know badly need it. As one of the top pharmaceuticals company in the world, Merck Corporation is expected to profit from the drugs produced in their laboratories and not to give them away for free. On a HolmesReport (2002) article, Dr. Vargelos was quoted in saying that "many companies do not realize the benefits in better employee morale and favorable press coverage that comes from doing good deeds." It is a boost in the morale for people who work under a business that gives help for many people. Like Merck Company, who have always invested a lot of money in research, this move has no doubt fueled the minds of their researchers who are given freedom to explore possible cures to diseases that are known to have no cure. Especially since, those diseases that have no cures are dominant in poor countries. Every time the company is given an award or praise, the pride and prestige also goes down to the company employees especially the researchers who developed the much needed medicine. For any worker, the drive to succeed and work properly is much more invigorated with the knowledge that you are working in a way to help others. A good image also aids in the problems of human resources because applicants are more than willing to apply for an admirable company in comparison to typical companies. A lot of younger generations today say that they would prefer to work because it is worthwhil e and not just for the compensation. Many applicants mean a wider choice of candidates where the suited employee will be chosen from. Not only does good morale and good image

Sport Tourism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sport Tourism - Assignment Example 24) that "globalisation has helped to create a setting in which English national identity has more sporting opportunities in which to express itself than at any previous point in history. The Olympics survived the Second World War, and have become consolidated as the premier multi-sport event in the world, with their winter version also increasing in popularity." The Olympics and Paralympics 2012 have brought to the doorsteps of UK a tourism opportunity of great magnitude. In the process of welcoming the world in 2012, UK gets a chance of escalating the growth of its economy. As observed by Jowell, "between 50% and 75% of the economic benefits of the Games will accrue to tourism." According to a report prepared by the International Council for Local Environment Initiatives (ICLEI) for the Commission on Sustainable Development, the UN Commission has set some principles for development issues in tourism. "These principles can provide basis for effective partnerships for sustainable tourism planning and development in local tourist destinations. (1999, p.10) The authorities responsible for the sport tourism development issues in London should consult these principles to achieve their goals. They should pay attention to the development issues like trying to solve all problems before, during and after the development projects' implementation and evaluation phase. In addition to this they should try to focus their attention on issues like limits of developments, what needs to be paid attention to immediately and what can wait for some time. The ecological problems should also be paid attention to. In all this tourism development measures, the local people should not feel cut off. They should be made an integral part of the development procedures. Their problems like drainage, sewerage, infrastructure requirements etc. should be paid attention to because until and unless the problems of local people are solved; it is impossible to create a good atmosphere for tourists. If the available resources are not sufficient for the local people then how can the huge number of tourists be accommodated comfortably All the local bodies, even those belonging to the grassroots level shou ld be encouraged to participate actively in the sport tourism development issues on the eve of the 2012 games. Apart from the above mentioned issues it should be clear that the development should not be at the cost of degradation of environment and local culture. Environment and culture are the wealth that will attract more and more tourists to the host destination. Impacts and implications for hosting the London 2012 Games There will be a favourable growth of GDP in London when the 2012 games are held but this implies that the rest of UK will not benefit as all the resources and attention will be directed towards the host city. London will have a favourable impact in not only GDP but in other areas too. Unfortunately the implications of the positive impact upon London will be that, the rest of the areas of UK will experience a negative impact. For example all the investments in infrastructure, social work, beautification and creation of new jobs would be restricted to London and as a result the rest of the UK will remain untouched of the benefits. In this