But even philanthropy decisions can have a high degree of centrality.
Merck's investment in developing and distributing the river blindness drug, Mechanization, is widely regarded as strategically astute as well as humanitarian.
The 18 million Third World victims of this disease have clearly benefited from Merck's contribution, and Merck itself benefits because of its enhanced reputation in the industrialized world, including increased reputation leverage with medical professionals and government regulators.
The company also benefits in terms of employee morale, productivity and retention by supporting
the ethical motivations of the research staff.