Reference no: EM132271092
MBA - Ethics & Values
Sharing Medical Information
Marcus Paul is a computer engineer who has recently developed a web application to help users keep track of their medical information, doctor’s appointments, and prescriptions.
The application stores sensitive medical information including drug prescriptions, lab results, etc. As the developer, Marcus and his company have access to this information. In 2016, John Trau, the Director of the Marketing Department, requested Marcus to supply him with customer-specific information so he can better target ads and app suggestions to the users. Marcus understands that he is part of a company, but also feels that the privacy of the app users should be protected. Marcus refused to supply Trau with the medical information, claiming that he should be responsible to those who use his technology. Trau insisted that there is no company policy preventing him from using data to improve external communications and market the company’s services and products. The top management agreed with Trau and directed Marcus to submit his data. Marcus refused again. The company fired Marcus for not sharing the medical information with the Marketing Department.
Case Analysis
· What the factual issues in this case?
· Does Marcus have the right to refuse management decision?
· Who would be responsible if data was used for marketing purpose?
· Why users should care if company use their medical information?
· Why Marcus feels that he is responsible for the data?
· Is this an ethical use of information or a violation of the user’s privacy?