: Business Ethics > Discussions > Chapter 9.3 Discussion -Genetic Testing at Bur

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: Business Ethics > Discussions > Chapter 9.3 Discussion -Genetic Testing at Burlington Northern This is a 20 points possible Chapter 9.3 Discussion - Genetic Testing at Burlington Northern With the rising costs of health care, the advancement in mecdical technology (particularly with regard to eart screenings and preventative care), and the ability to isolate genetic factors that can be contributors to all manner of diseases and chronic disorders that can present difficulties for business through loss of productivity in addition to higher health care costs, more and more companies are screening, or trying to institute screening, for their employees, In the case of Garay Avary and Burlington Northern, the particular screen was for a genetic marker for carpel tunnel syndrome and was instituted secretly following his surgery for CTS When he inquired as to whether or not the screen was necessary. he was met with the response that his choices were limited to having the test conducted or being terminated. BNSF's defense during the lawsuit was a form of business necessity defense. 1. What are some of the reasons that businesses are finding it increasingly important to genetically screen their employees? What are the ethical distinctions involved with secret testing, mandatory testing, and 2 enetic What are some of the reasons that employers will generally not admit to g Subscribe Unread

Explanation / Answer

All these objectives are fine if these are transparently put which means all employees have awareness and permission for such a practice.

Even though there is prejudice based on some potential disoder, which is probabilistic, but even then there is clear information sharing and the criteria is open in public domain and hence the employee is aware and has a choice to remain or leave the organization.

Ethically, the business should define if for a certain role, position the tests are mandatory or optional.But whatever the criteria all should be completely informed and results shared with them.

If the tests are mandatory the implication of the results should be informed prior to the test, which is fair and ethical practice.

If the tests are optional then there could be browny points for the disclosure, and the same way implication should be made aware.

Secret tests are a full No. As they violate several laws and indirectly discriminate employees without any set or publicly known criteria.

2.

The reasons why employees do not admit to genetic testing because

1 The reasons why businesses generally screen their employees are Potential productivity loss those come with genetic disorders Higher insurance claim through the organization, leading to higher overall costs Prevent or promote employees based on their potential diseases, those are not certain but probabilistic.

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