Ethics and Social Responsibility in a Global Environment Flashcards
Common Ethical Dilemmas in international Managment
Labor Practices: low-wage labor, child labor, working conditions
Bribery and Corruption: varying legal standards and cultural attitudes toward facilitation payments
Environmental Impact: Different regulations may encourage or discourage susatinable practices
Utilitarianism
-Focus on the greatest good for the greatest number
EX: MNCs might weigh the total benefits/harms of entering or leaving a foreign market
Deontology (Kantian Ethics)
-emphasis on duties rules, and universal moral laws
EX: companies may adopt non-negotiable principles like human rights, regardless of local norms
Virtue Ethics
-concentrates on character and virtues, such as integrity, courage, and fairness
EX: leadership that embodies honesty and compassion fosters an ethical corporate culture globally
Cultural Relativism vs Universalism
Cultural Relativism: ethical standards are culturally bound, no universal framework
Universalism: core human rights and ethical principles apply across cultures
MNCs often adopt global codes of conduct that blend universal principles with local sensitivity
Key International Frameworks
-United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
-ILO (International Labor Organization) standards
-UN Global Compact: ten principles covering human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption