Thomas Donaldson: Values in Tension: Ethics Away from Home

Question 1

What is cultural relativism, according to Donaldson?

Answer 1

Cultural relativism is the idea that morals vary by culture and outsiders should not judge foreign norms by their own standards.

Question 2

What are Donaldson’s criticisms of cultural relativism?

Answer 2

It can lead to tolerating injustice, ignoring human rights, and abandoning moral responsibility when doing business abroad.

Question 3

What is ethical imperialism, according to Donaldson?

Answer 3

Imposing your own country’s ethics on another culture without regard for context — often ignoring local customs and cultural complexities.

Question 4

What is ethical absolutism?

Answer 4

Believing that the same moral rules apply everywhere and in all situations, without flexibility or sensitivity to local traditions.

Question 5

What is ethical objectivism in Donaldson’s framework?

Answer 5

A middle ground — holding that some core values are universal, but how they’re applied can vary depending on culture and context.

Question 6

What are Donaldson’s three guiding principles for ethical international behavior?

Answer 6

• Respect for core human values

Respect for local traditions

Belief that context matters when deciding right and wrong

Question 7

What are examples of core values in Donaldson’s view?

Answer 7

Respect for human dignity

Basic rights (e.g., life, freedom)

Good citizenship and fairness

Question 8

What are Donaldson’s guidelines for ethical leadership in a global setting?

Answer 8

Develop a moral compass rooted in core values

Be culturally sensitive without sacrificing ethical integrity

Encourage open dialogue and ethical reasoning