|
We believe our first responsibility is to the doctors, nurses
and patients, to mothers and fathers and all others who use our products and
services. In meeting their needs everything we do must be of high quality. We
must constantly strive to reduce our costs in order to maintain reasonable prices.
Customers' orders must be serviced promptly and accurately. Our suppliers and
distributors must have an opportunity to make a fair profit.
We are responsible to our employees, the men and women who
work with us throughout the world. Everyone must be considered as an individual.
We must respect their dignity and recognize their merit. They must have a sense
of security in their jobs. Compensation must be fair and adequate, and working
conditions clean, orderly and safe. We must be mindful of ways to help our employees
fulfill their family responsibilities. Employees must feel free to make suggestions
and complaints. There must be equal opportunity for employment, development
and advancement for those qualified. We must provide competent management, and
their actions must be just and ethical.
We are responsible to the communities in which we live and
work and to the world community as well. We must be good citizens — support
good works and charities and bear our fair share of taxes. We must encourage
civic improvements and better health and education. We must maintain in good
order the property we are privileged to use, protecting the environment and
natural resources.
Our final responsibility is
to our stockholders. Business must make a sound profit. We must experiment with
new ideas. Research must be carried on, innovative programs developed and mistakes
paid for. New equipment must be purchased, new facilities provided and new products
launched. Reserves must be created to provide for adverse times. When we operate
according to these principles, the stockholders should realize a fair return.
|
