Question

Using professional, personal, or academic experience, describe an ethical situation you encountered or an ethical situation encountered by a leader discussed in a previous course and how it was handled.

Professional - Bill Gates

Answer 1

Ethical situation encountered by a leader Bill Gates is related to the philanthropic efforts made by Bill Gates through his Foundation towards healthcare sector. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributes towards many healthcare causes in different countries. The foundation has contributed to WHO significantly and ethical situation is created by the influence of the foundation on WHO policies. The foundation promotes funding for projects that are oriented towards eradication of certain diseases through ensuring availability of vaccines and medicines. Several NGOs and researchers have raised questions on the role of the foundation getting funds from capitalist business and contributing to public sector areas like healthcare. Such projects and initiatives funded by the foundation may create conflict of interests with organisations like WHO and differences with the government of the countries where the philanthropic foundation is supporting NGOs for preventing diseases through use of more effective medicine and vaccination. Bill Gates is a supporter of patent and intellectual rights whereas in the healthcare sector it is advocated that relaxing patents can create more opportunities for manufacturing cost effective treatment and medicines.

Bill Gates foundation continues to work towards improving the healthcare conditions in countries that need financial support and promoting research and innovation in healthcare. It continues to collaborate with partners that seek support from it and work in a transparent way promoting the cause of healthcare through international forums and creating facilities that can improve the healthcare and life expectancy globally.