Question
The R&D division of Hancock Chemical Corp. has just developed a chemical for sterilizing the vicious Brazilian killer bees which are invading Mexico and the
The R&D division of Hancock Chemical Corp. has just developed a chemical for sterilizing the vicious Brazilian killer bees which are invading Mexico and the southern states of the United States. The president of Hancock is anxious to get the chemical on the market to boost the companys profits. He believes his job is in jeopardy because of decreasing sales and profits. Hancock has an opportunity to sell this chemical in Central American countries, where the laws are much more relaxed than in the United States. The director of Hancocks R&D division strongly recommends further testing in the laboratory for side-effects of this chemical on other insects, birds, animals, plants, and even humans. He cautions the president, We could be sued from all sides if the chemical has tragic side-effects that we didnt even test for in the labs. The president answers, We cant wait an additional year for your lab tests. We can avoid losses from such lawsuits by establishing a separate wholly owned corporation to shield Hancock Corp. from such lawsuits. We cant lose any more than our investment in the new corporation, and well invest in just the patent covering this chemical. Well reap the benefits if the chemical works and is safe, and avoid the losses from lawsuits if its a disaster. The following week, Hancock creates a new wholly owned corporation called Badell Inc., sells the chemical patent to it for $10, and watches the spraying begin. (a) Who are the stakeholders in this situation? (b) Are the presidents motives and actions ethical? (c) Can Hancock shield itself against losses of Badell Inc.?
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