Putting the Pharmaceutical Industry's SR Reports Under the Microscope

This chapter offers critique of 2019 Social Responsibility (SR) reports from the five largest American-based pharmaceutical companies (based on revenues and number of employees) and offers suggestions for improved communication about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. Pharmaceutical treatments are an important component of health care. To improve health-care commitment, DEI practices must be front and center for the pharmaceutical industry and communicated via their SR reports targeting stakeholders. While some pharmaceutical companies have made greater strides toward communicating DEI than others, SR reporting often is diminished by lack of clear focus on specific practices. Thus, stakeholders may lack basic understanding of these endeavors and the companies' reputation may suffer the consequences.