...Business Ethics across Cultures Juanita Bates Axia College University of Phoenix Business Ethics across Cultures 1 Ethics is a guideline of knowing what is right or wrong. Ethical perspectives are a moral view of things. Business ethics are a form of professional or applied ethics. These ethics examines ethical principles and ethical or moral problems that may arise in the business world. All aspects of businesses are affected including individuals and organizations. With the growth in industrial population, the rise of consumerism and popular reaction to large numbers of scandals and corruption, there has been a change in perception and attitude. The United States passed the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in 1977 forbidding the United States companies from giving bribes to high level government officials of other countries. Many business people did not like the act; they felt it was unfair because foreign countries continued to use bribes while the United States companies could not. German companies were allowed to use their bribes as tax deductible expensive until 1998. They felt the foreign countries would have an advantage of the United States companies. The United States government used what pressure it could to encourage other countries to adapt the same type of law. After 20 years, many other countries agreed. By the 1980’s , many companies started using ethical structures by developing code of ethics, providing ethics training for employees, monitoring...
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...Business ethics across cultures Karen Lovelist XMGT 216 07/25/2010 Elizabeth Berg Business ethics across cultures Urdu is Pakistan’s official language and most widely spoken but in regard to businesses in the country English is generally used. Communication and building relationships are important to Pakistanis they prefer working with people they already know they believe the relationship they have with people they trust is worth more than trying to develop new ones it provides them with a strong foundation which is necessary for business relationships. In the Pakistan culture third party introductions are needed in the relationship. Pakistanis are hospitable people and are bound to ask some personal questions it is their way of getting to know you better. It is best to answer them because it helps in building trust that is important to any business relationship and all business related commitments. Pakistanis are indirect communicators in a group meeting and usually speak in round about fashion, direct communication only happens with people they know and trust Pakistanis are known for their diplomatic talk and would rather say they will try rather than refusing the business deal so be prepared to flatter and be flattered because Pakistanis go out of their way to praise business partners. Business in Pakistan is like doing business with a friend, businessmen feel that telephone numbers are an impersonal way of maintaining a business relationship. Business meetings...
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...Business Ethics across Cultures Jeff Christison XMGT 216 / Organizational Ethics and social Responsibility (AXIA) Carolyn A. Fuentes December 5th, 2010 The first country I chose to research was Germany. I chose them because the world already knows about their personal morals and ethics in history, and how they could be swayed by one individual. They systematically set their morals aside and allowed one man to dictate the country’s ethical stand. They were subsequently able to recover and even improve what had been so easily given away. When it comes to current ethics in German businesses, they are becoming more and more influenced by American business and international trade. While Germany had, in the past, been recognized as a model for personal and business ethics, it was a little more than fifteen years ago that their clean image began to show signs of wear. It is hard to know for sure, though, if it is a case of new issues with ethics, or if globalization is simply shedding a new light on an age old problem. It seems feasible, to me, that businesses have been dealing with their own issues without allowing the public to have knowledge of what is going on. Even with their clean image they have been allowed to practice behaviors that other countries see as illegal. “For example, insider stock trading became illegal only this year, as the Government and investment community tried to respond to pressure from international investors” (Nash, 1995, para. 15). ...
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...Business Ethics across Cultures Etumie Morris January 27, 2013 XMGT/216 Beverly Isaman Business Ethics across Cultures In both The United States and China there have been many ethical dilemmas reported, though some are the same there are numerous difference in which both countries classify as either being ethical or unethical, they to have some things in common. Some of the bigger differences are in their life styles and culture. In this paper I have outlined one of the larger ethical differences and ethical perspectives in relation to business. In china most main ethical concerns are based upon how they live their lives, their goals in life, and also how to conduct themselves if ever they should hold a position of power. However in the business world china has on numerous occasions been found unethical with the way they run their businesses. In plain terms they often violate the essential rights of humans. “During the late 1980s and the early 1990s, China was routinely cited by various international; organizations such as Amnesty International and Freedom Watch for major human rights violations, including torture, beatings, imprisonment, and executions of political dissidents” (Ekonomi, 2007). Despite this, in the late 1990s and early 2000s China received record levels of foreign direct investments, mainly from firms based in democratic societies amongst these was the United States (Ekonomi, 2007). Meanwhile in the United States our ethical issues are of a totally...
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...Business Ethics Across Cultures Globalization has not only moved nations nearer together, but has also generated a single moral perception for nations conducting business together. Management teams are discovering that there are great moral challenges waiting to be found out by the enhanced progress to a global scale. If ethics are an issue inside a country, one can visualize the difficulties that arise when the quantity of people involved grows up to an international scale, cultures are different, and the language is alien. In this report we are going to consider two articles which deal with the moral perceptions of China and India, how these articles add to understanding international ethics, and how China’s and India’s business ethics contrast to that of the United States. Santa Clara University printed an article penned by Stephen Rothlin called Business Ethics in the Chinese Context” that thrashed out some of the growth China achieved in 2006 and 2007 in business ethics. Stephen Rothlin works as the general secretary of the Center for International Business Ethics in Beijing. In January 2008, Rothlin modernized the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics Business and Organizational Ethics Partnership with the growth he had seen since his last trip in 2006. Rothlin thrashed out six types including; conditions for moral companies, community role, ecological sustainability, anti-corruption action, and customer privileges. In each of the six types he discussed both developments...
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...XMGT/216 Business Ethics Across Cultures In this paper, I will be reviewing the business ethics found in two countries, each from a different continent. The two countries I have chosen are China and Mexico. The articles I have located for this research are both drawn from the University Library, the first one being Business Ethics and Social Responsibility in Contemporary China, by St. Clair and Norris, the second being Introduction to Central America and Mexico: Efforts and obstacles in creating ethical organizations and an ethical economy, by Collins and Whitaker. I will be reviewing China first, followed by Mexico. Chinese Business Ethics In their article, St. Clair and Norris examine the source of Chinese business ethics from multiple angles. Socially, culturally, and politically, the business atmosphere is quite different in China than it is here in the US. There is, really, no formal culture or system of business ethics for the general, private business sector (St Clair & Norris, 2011). Since its induction into the World Trade Order in 2001, China has modified its business regulations quite significantly to ensure that its businesses operate within the WTO guidelines. However, transition and reform aside, centralized decision making, internal bargaining, and bureaucratic red tape still seem to be the norm, despite the decentralization of many industries and the growth of consumerism. This turn towards progressive business ethics could be due to the recent scandals...
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...Business Ethics across cultures The first of the two articles that will be reviewed for this paper is by Tamar Lewin of the New York Times. In August of 2001 thirty Nigerian families sued the large drug company Pfizer in the Federal Court of the United States. The families alleged that Pfizer conducted an unethical trial on their children during the meningitis epidemic of 1996 The Pfizer Company sent a research team to the Infectious Disease Hospital in Kano, Nigerian in 1996 to test an experimental antibiotic, Trovan, on 100 children that had come down with meningitis. Pfizer want to ascertain whether this drug would be effective on the disease; until this point the drug had never been tested on children. For their control group Pfizer administered the very best treatment, ceftriaxone, too 100 other children. The suit states that Pfizer did not even administer the full dose of the ceftriaxone. The results from this trial left 11 children dead and many others brain damaged, paralyzed, or deaf. Pfizer’s only comment on the suit was that the fatality rate was less from the trial, than the overall fatality rate from the epidemic. Their spokeswoman also said that the trial had been a humanitarian mission and not a self-serving action. The suit against the company however, states that the company took opportunity from the chaos caused by the crises. They were able to quickly test a potentially dangerous drug without proper approval. The suit also claims that Pfizer also falsified...
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...sure that people are not being taken advantage of. When doing business with other countries we need to be sure that practice ethically which is not always the case. One country where these ethics might not be in place is Mexico. There are many American businesses that are moving their companies to Mexico so they can take advantage of the low cost of labor. The cost of living in Mexico is not as high so these companies can get away with paying less and not having laws against child labor and laws that ensure that the employees are paid properly. Although the companies are saving money they have to be extra careful to be sure that the employees that are hired meet the American guidelines. The Mexican worker does not like to be checked on and does not like when they are given feedback where the Americans expect this type of feedback in order to better themselves at their jobs and get ahead. Where the Americans are motivated by getting ahead in business and proving themselves to the companies that they work for, the Mexican loyalty belongs with their immediate superior. With the society being the way it is in Mexico they are not able to plan for long term goals because the future is uncertain. For this reason as well the deadlines are not as important as they are with American businesses. Mexico is a very poor country unlike America which means that they are more susceptible to bribes by corrupt business men. There are many laws that are in place in Mexico but unlike...
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...Business Ethics Reflection Thomas Sanford XMGT/216 August 28, 2011 George Camposano/Axia Faculty Business Ethics Reflection Several years ago I sold a large Video Security System to an industrial client that did a lot of Government work. This work was considered to be classified in some areas. The system consisted of 128 cameras of various sizes with some being exposed and some being hidden. This was a large task with some unusual specifications for installation such as the wiring had to be encased in plastic conduit and hidden in the rafters as much as possible. This was mainly in the manufacturing area so employees were not aware of the cameras presences. We were allowed to work only certain hours of the day when all employees were gone for the day and they had guards with us at all times. Our crews went in at a specified time and ran the entire conduit and wiring that was needed within 2 days time. The next crew went in and mounted all the cameras, set up all the recording devices within 2 days. The last crew to go in was there to make sure the system was fully operational and performing to the specifications. They would re-aim the cameras if needed, clear the picture up by adjusting the lens and making sure that nothing showing we were even there was left behind. The last night, I went in and instructed the management on the operation of the system. Our problem began when we found out that one of our associates was dating an employee...
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...The two countries I chose to write about are Argentina and the Dominican Republic. Argentina is a country located in South America whereas; the Dominican Republic is located in North America. These two countries seem to be the most interesting and I hear about them quite often. Business ethics are a lot different in these two countries than they are in the United States. It is very interesting to see how much different the jobs are in Argentina and the Dominican Republic when comparing to the United States. Every country conducts business according to their laws and regulations which can also be very different. Argentina is a relationship driven culture, so it is important to build networks and use them. The people of Argentina like to do favors for each other, but if a favor is done for you than you will eventually be called upon. When it comes to business, Argentines only like to do business with people they know. This seems a little close-minded and could have a negative effect on their business relations. In the United States, we do a lot of our business over the phone and face-to-face, but Argentina prefers face-to-face meetings only. Once a relationship is built, Argentines will be loyal to you rather than the company you work for. Argentines focus most on looking good to others and are very judgmental. They do not only judge the way you speak, but the way you present yourself is more important. When dealing with Argentines, one should watch what they say and how...
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...A tariff is usually a tax that one country sets on the imported goods or services of another nation. A quota is a trade restriction set by a country to maintain and secure the country’s interests by limiting the amount of goods that can be imported into the country for a fixed time period. The tariffs and quotas in the United States were established to control the amount of goods that enter into the United States to protect the United States interests economically while still maintaining the healthy trading relationship with other countries. The United States utilize these trade restrictions to decide which countries will be suitable. These trade tools are meant to guard the country’s economic interests and establish relations with particular nations. Some critics of these trade tools argue that tariffs and quotas often lead to corruption, such as with smugglers seeking to escape tariffs and quotas and high prices for consumers as there is less competition between domestic and international goods, which tend to be less expensive. When the dollar is strong then the United States can lower tariff to benefit the consumers and further spur the spending. When the dollar is weak the United States needs to protect the vulnerable economy and potential jobs by increasing the tariff. Domestic trading represents the most beneficial situation for domestic producers, as there is less competition and inflation of consumer goods becomes favorable but it is the least beneficial to domestic...
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...Business Ethics Across Cultures Article Review XMGT/216 Business Ethics Across Cultures Article Review The first article I reviewed was titled Islamic finance: Notion of stewardship imbues business ethics. The author discussed the global economic crisis of 2008 in Islam. He reviewed how the lack of training of Islamic employees in ethics contributed to the economic crisis. Several of the ethical lapses that occurred during the ethical crisis were caused by risk also known as gharar and gambling. Both gharar and gambling are banned by Islamic law (Smith, 2012). The author argues that religious beliefs not limited to Islam can influence more responsibility within a business’s leadership. Omneya Abdelsalam, the director of the El Shaarani Research Centre for Islamic Business believes the belief of god and his power brings an acute level of accountability and responsibility (Smith, 2012). The suggestion of Dr Abdelsalam is that the belief of religion has a direct power of the way individuals conduct business. Islamic businesses primary ethical perspectives are to fulfill social responsibility of the business to the best of its capabilities, have fair treatment for employees, care for the environment and customers, and fulfilling the obligation toward shareholders and other stakeholders (Smith, 2012). Challenges faced by Islamic businesses are the views of tangible assets and some principles. Cedomir Nestorovic, a professor of Islamic business and management states that...
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...------------------------------------------------- Business Ethics across Cultures Article Review Meghan Kraft XMGT/216 Deborah Pryer November 22nd 2015 Business Ethics across Cultures Article Review For centuries countries have been sharing their goods, services, cultures, and ways of life with those who visit or decides to do business with their country. While most would assume that people in another land speaking a different language, following a different religion, and eating different food would more than likely perceive and behave differently from than our own; the truth is that even though these differences may be perceived, very little is done to actually understand them appropriately unless it is deemed necessary. It is obvious that through globalization, that not just one, but each and every country has its own problems with ethics regarding business. It is made quite clear that there is a common scourge in business practices worldwide. It is also very clear that we are victims to the same faults that occur in humanity on a global scale. However, what is quickly becoming equally apparent, for international businesses and corporations to deal successfully with a foreign contractor, business, or even government; the proper measures must be taken to understand the differences in ethical perception and to work to accommodate those differences. Failure to do so leave many of these companies and businesses vulnerable for international ethical dilemmas that are quickly...
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...Business Ethics Across Cultures Article Review XMGT/216 March 5, 2012 Leat Kodua BUSINESS ETHICS ACROSS CULTURES ARTICLE REVIEW Business Ethics Across Cultures This paper will focus on the two articles that I chose to discuss, ‘Business Ethics in Australia and New Zealand1’ and ‘Business Ethics in Japan.” This paper will provide a brief summary of both articles and try to explain some of the primary ethical perspectives of the countries. In the contents of this paper there will also be a discussion on how the articles contribute to understanding global ethical perspectives and will briefly describe the similarities and differences of the business ethics in these two countries and the United States. Although the first article is titled ‘Business Ethics in Australia and New Zealand’ I will discuss only Australia as New Zealand is considered a separate country. Australia This article discusses the effects of the scandals of the 80’s and extending into the 90’s on Australia and New Zealand as both countries have always claimed to be open, fair and honest societies and the scandals that erupted during the 80’s and 90’s shocked the people of Australia exposing the corruption and dereliction of duty that existed where they felt none did. These scandals brought to light the need for ethical codes within the private and government businesses within Australia, however chief executives and senior government officials still are finding it difficult to accept...
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...Business Ethics Across Cultures XMGT/216 May 24, 2015 Diane Garvey Business Ethics Across Cultures The first article I read was about business ethics in China. According to this article, the Chinese value gifts and actually see them as a form of respect by the person giving the gift. Chinese people also believe in sages rather than a single God and they believe everything should be in harmony. These people place a special emphasis and are even dependent on the relationships of relatives and friends while attaching importance to the feelings of others. They see all relationships as lifetime commitments. In China, privacy is not highly valued, as they tend to work in groups rather than individually. This culture is made up of introverts who would rather sit in silence with courtesy, which is highly valued, rather than confront an issue. In marketing and advertising, the Chinese tend to value inner beauty and wisdom over looks and exaggerations. Chinese people do not like touching and actually avoid eye contact as a form of respect for one’s personal space. When making a deal or negotiating any business with the Chinese people, it is inevitable that such meetings will be carried out over food and drinks as they work to form lasting friendships with the people they do business with. Since they do not like the pressure of making strictly contractual arrangements, they avoid doing this over a meal. By eating with potential partners, it takes some of the focus off of contracts...
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