Merck & Company, Inc.

integrates Corporate Social Responsibility by encouraging

its employees to think of their work as a quest to alleviate human disease and suffering
world-wide. Following this philosophy, Merck might feel the obligation to proceed to find
the formulation for human use. But a company should also be responsible to its
shareholders by making profits and there are pitfalls if they decide to pursue with the
research like the uncertainty of the program's success, the nil profits even if it was
successful, and how to distribute the medicine. Although Corporate Social Responsibility
is generally viewed as a cost to a business, Michael Porter argued that it can be a
source of opportunity, innovation, and competitive advantage.

If the investment proposal is approved, it could strengthen the company's
position as a contributor to society, whereas rejection would mean the company had
failed to adhere to its philosophy of people first which could have an unfavorable effect
for the company like loss of its attractiveness to consumers as well as to employees.
The approval of the project could also increase the company's influence and brand
name awareness. If the project becomes successful, it could bring significant social
benefits to people suffering from River Blindness. Even though it might cause some
short-term loss in profits, it could strengthen its leadership position in the
pharmaceutical business in the long run.