Which Companies in the Industry stand out in regards to their view and actions in CSR?

The more successful pharmaceutical companies will have a caring image, after all, they are in the business of making people healthy and saving lives. This means that from the company's creation, the board of directors had. However, this also means pharmaceutical companies are apt to be blasted by criticism from any unethical dealings. The bottom line is that these pharmaceutical companies are businesses with profit margins and deadlines first, and health activists second. This can be demonstrated by the actions taken by Greece last year, when in an attempt to lower spending, they cut the price they paid for insulin by 25% as a result of being strapped for cash. This was not met with positive public responses as Noko Nordisk employees, the company selling the insulin reported violations of CSR and overall lack of care for individuals with diabeetus. This however, is misdirected as Greece had more than a surplus of insulin for individuals that are ill, and thus were never in danger of a shortage. The cutting of price of insulin only means that Greece will have some more cash to spend on other health goods such as research and development or more money to purchase drugs to help individuals. Also, many copycat companies are capable and willing to produce generic insulin for about 10% under current market price. I say if they are able to sell for lower, why not? In the end, as long as sick individuals are able to get their medicine, there should be no debate over the price adjustments, because in the end it is the companies producing the insulin that are hurt, not the sick individual. It is because of this that companies must be wary of their patients yet at the same time, jump on opportunities to save money whenever possible in order to preserve profits and utilize funds in appropriate CSR ways.

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Stephen Kessler