Managers Decide
Ethics and Quality Cost Management
The management of Medrad, Inc., a manufacturer of medical devices that enhance the imaging of the human body, has identified five goals that guide decision making at all levels. One of these goals is to improve quality and productivity. In a strategic planning session, management sets one-year and five-year targets for specific objectives that relate to each goal, including the goal of improving quality and productivity. Medrad has consistently achieved the targets. Moreover, achieving these targets is done within an industry that is heavily regulated. The progress must be realized within a legal and ethical framework. Medrad has an ethical Code of Conduct that defines ethical behavior for the various transactions and interactions that occur within the company. Training in the code is part of the new employee orientation. This training is continued with a quarterly Code of Conduct Challenge sent by email to all employees. Medrad also maintains an anonymous ethical hotline, a business ethics committee, and a legal advisory board.