Visit the web site of Merck, the world's largest pharmaceutical company (http://www.merck.com/overview/philosophy. html), and read the mission statement posted there. Then answer the following questions:

1. Evaluate this mission statement in the light of the material contained in this chapter. Does the mission state clearly what Merck's basic strategic goal is? Do the values listed here provide a good guideline for managerial action at Merck? Do those values recognize stakeholder claims?
   
   
2. Follow the hypertext link "benefits humanity." Read the section on corporate responsibility. How does Merck attempt to balance the goals of providing stockholders with an adequate rate of return on their investment, while at the same time developing medicines that benefit humanity and that can be acquired by people in need at an affordable price? Do you think that Merck does a good job of balancing these goals?

General Task:
Using the Web, find an example of a company where there was overt conflict between principals and agents over the future strategic direction of the organization.