Ethical Dilemmas in the Theranos Case Study
Exploring the ethical complexities of the Theranos case study, this analysis delves into issues of harm and wrongdoing, the distinction between lying and bluffing, ethics versus legality, assigning responsibility among various stakeholders, and considerations of punishment for key individuals and groups involved.
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Theranos A Case Study in Business Ethics Kiki Berk, Southern New Hampshire University Joshua Tepley, Saint Anselm College
Agenda 1. Theranos 101 2. Ethical Issues
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87SWZ0Pna8k
Harms and Wrongs What is the difference between being harmed and being wronged? Which groups of people were either harmed or wronged in this case? Which of these groups were harmed/wronged the most? Which is morally worse: harming someone or wronging them?
Lying and Bluffing What is the difference between lying and bluffing? Is there a moral difference between lying and bluffing in business? Was Elizabeth Holmes lying or bluffing? Can we know for sure? Is lying always wrong? What if a person believes the lie? What if the lie comes true? What if lying does more good for the world than telling the truth?
Ethics and the Law What is the difference between what s legal and what s moral/ethical? What is a legal loophole ? Is it morally wrong for businesses to use loopholes in the law? If so, when? If not, why not?
Responsibility Which of the following groups (if any) is partly responsible for what happened? Members of the Board of Directors Investors Theranos employees (high-level, low-level) Walgreens executives Employees at Theranos Wellness Centers (inside Walgreens stores) The U.S. Government (the FDA) Doctors who allowed their patients to be tested at Theranos Wellness Centers Journalists (like Roger Parloff) and the Media Besides Elizabeth and Sunny, who bears the most responsibility for what happened?
Punishment Is Elizabeth Holmes s punishment by the SEC adequate and proportionate? Does Holmes deserve jail time for what she did? Do any other groups deserve to be punished? If so, how? In general, what is the purpose of punishment?
Lessons and Takeaways What lessons can be drawn from this case study? Can you apply any of these lessons to your own business? What s the most interesting or important thing you learned today?
Thank You! Kiki Berk (k.berk@snhu.edu) Joshua Tepley (jtepley@anselm.edu)
