SCIENTISTS JUDGEMENT CHANGED DUE TO PERSUASIVE GIFTS
When it came to the safety of calcium channel blockers (a class of drugs for heart decease), a study found that 100 % of the scientists that were in favour of the drug, had received support, free trips, research funding or employment from the pharmaceutical companies…. Of those negative to the drug, only 37 % had receive prior support.
This shows that the power of reciprocity can compromise our ethics and the power of gift giving should be recognised when considering allowing these donations to professionals. If we see this sad display in science, where scientists often pride themselves on being truth finders, we can surely expect this to be happening even more so in media companies and government.
INDUSTRY FUNDED RESEARCH CLAIMED TO BE BIAS
Despite thousands of studies indicating radio frequency radiation from phone towers and phones is harming us, and the WHO classifying radio frequency radiation as a possible carcinogen class 2B (the same as exhaust fumes) these studies seem to be largely ignored. The fact that many telecommunication industry funded research into the harmful effects, don’t seem to raise any alarm bells, might have something to do with that.
Doctors urged to not see, visit or accept gifts from pharmaceutical sales representatives
Many physicians, research showed, seem to think their interactions with sales reps didn’t influence them.
“Physicians understood the concept of conflict of interest and applied it to relationships with detailers. However, they maintained favorable views of physician-detailer exchanges. Holding these mutually contradictory attitudes, physicians were in a position of cognitive dissonance. To resolve the dissonance, they used a variety of denials and rationalizations: They avoided thinking about the conflict of interest, they disagreed that industry relationships affected physician behavior, they denied responsibility for the problem, they enumerated techniques for remaining impartial, and they reasoned that meetings with detailers were educational and benefited patients.” – Susan Chimonas, Troyen A Brennan, David J Rothman
The danger of persuasive ‘strangers bearing gifts’
The power of the reciprocity principle of influence can, like other principles, be used unethically. Research shows that this is long-term disaster and attracts untrustworthy employees who don’t mind doing that sort of thing. It is important to realise the power of reciprocity and be ready to identify when someone might be using it against us unethically.
When we see ourselves exhibit agreeable behavor that we’re not feeling good about, we should reflect on the situation and ask ourselves the question:
If I had not received the gift or favour that was first given to me,
would I have agreed to this proposal?
If the answer is no, then you were likely targeted with reciprocity or another principle of influence. Once you realise the intentions of the other party, you are relieved from having to fulfil your obligation to reciprocate or agree.