Tylenol Scare of 1982
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Review and Recommendations | Tylenol Scare of 1982 |
Prepared by:
March 19, 2012
Professor Douglas Greenwood
Prepared by:
March 19, 2012
Professor Douglas Greenwood
Contents
Executive Summary 3
The Industry 5
The Organization 6
The Ethical Issue/Problem 8
Key Stakeholders 10
Event Aftermath 12
Recommendations 14
Conclusion 17
Executive Summary
Law and Ethics often refers to the concepts of moral and legal rights, and focuses on one contemporary dilemma that raises major moral and legal questions. This research paper analyzes the ethical issue that took place in 1982, many people know it as the Tylenol scare of 1982.
The ethical problem was faced by Tylenol, known as the most successful over-the-counter product in the United States at the time of the issue. The issue arised when seven people in Chicago were reported dead after taking extra-strength Tylenol capsules. After investigation it was reported that an unknown suspect replaced Tylenol Extra-Strength capsules with cyanide-laced capsules, resealed the packages, and deposited them on the shelves of at least a half-dozen or so pharmacies, and food stores in the Chicago area.
Once the connection was made between the Tylenol capsules and the reported deaths, public announcements were made warning people about the consumption of the product. The media added to the issue by creating sensational ways of warning people about the product and breaking the story out by hurting the reputation of the company. At this stage Johnson & Johnson was faced with the dilemma of the best way to deal with the problem without destroying the reputation of the company and its most profitable product.
The key stakeholders who were part of the ethical issue were firstly, the consumers. The consumers were the most concerned they were the target and they were not certain if proper precautions were taken regarding the ethical problem. Then came the general public who
Review and Recommendations | Tylenol Scare of 1982 |
Prepared by:
March 19, 2012
Professor Douglas Greenwood
Prepared by:
March 19, 2012
Professor Douglas Greenwood
Contents
Executive Summary 3
The Industry 5
The Organization 6
The Ethical Issue/Problem 8
Key Stakeholders 10
Event Aftermath 12
Recommendations 14
Conclusion 17
Executive Summary
Law and Ethics often refers to the concepts of moral and legal rights, and focuses on one contemporary dilemma that raises major moral and legal questions. This research paper analyzes the ethical issue that took place in 1982, many people know it as the Tylenol scare of 1982.
The ethical problem was faced by Tylenol, known as the most successful over-the-counter product in the United States at the time of the issue. The issue arised when seven people in Chicago were reported dead after taking extra-strength Tylenol capsules. After investigation it was reported that an unknown suspect replaced Tylenol Extra-Strength capsules with cyanide-laced capsules, resealed the packages, and deposited them on the shelves of at least a half-dozen or so pharmacies, and food stores in the Chicago area.
Once the connection was made between the Tylenol capsules and the reported deaths, public announcements were made warning people about the consumption of the product. The media added to the issue by creating sensational ways of warning people about the product and breaking the story out by hurting the reputation of the company. At this stage Johnson & Johnson was faced with the dilemma of the best way to deal with the problem without destroying the reputation of the company and its most profitable product.
The key stakeholders who were part of the ethical issue were firstly, the consumers. The consumers were the most concerned they were the target and they were not certain if proper precautions were taken regarding the ethical problem. Then came the general public who