Essay about Ethics in International Business

During the announcement of the seventh annual list of most ethical companies in the world in 2013, Alex Brigham of Ethisphere, noted that more companies find that ethical business practices increase their competitiveness in their respective industries, helping to further substantiate the notion that a culture of ethic is crucial to sustainable excellence (Smith, 2013). Researchers in the field of Organizational Behavior has found that employees are subjected to an environment of ethical dilemma constantly. During such moments employees have a choice either to pursue with ethical conduct or engage in an unethical behavior which results in harming the organization or its stakeholder (Trevino & Brown, 2004). How the employee behave greatly depends

Ethics are extremely important in the workplace to maintain order, ensuring that a company runs properly and efficiently. According to authors Colquitt, LePine, & Wesson, ethics is noted as, “The degree to which the behaviors of an authority are in accordance with generally accepted moral norms” (Colquitt, LePine, & Wesson). The decisions that individuals make on a daily basis have a great deal morality within. Characteristics that aid in the ethical decision making process include dedication, integrity, conduct, and many more. Every company makes its values and ethics known immediately after hiring an employee, or specifically, during the interview process. In many businesses, no matter how well an employee performs, workplace values and ethics are

Admiring how ethics takes a role in the workplace is a significant way to start individual's thinking about the emotional and psychological aspects of ethical decision-making. There are many steps businesses can take into account when incorporating ethical decision-making into their practices, beginning with ethics training. All businesses, regardless of for-profit status should embrace ethics training at all levels of the organization. When an entire business takes part in learning the values of ethics together the program will be more successful. Ethics training is an important motivator for productivity as well as a way to practice the organization’s values. This training will enhance awareness of employees and open up the opportunity to discuss unusual ethical decisions that may

2. Ethical Issues in Business. It seems that every day in the news we are hearing of new company that has acted at least unethically and possibly illegally in the operation and financial reporting of their company's business dealings. There are many ethical issues in business. One major issue that we see is over and under reporting net income. Companies like to show that every quarter the net income of the business has an increase or profit. In order to show this they adopt unethical or illegal means in the operation and financial reporting. One such method is the indiscriminate use of stock options for employees that enable companies to take employment costs off balance sheet and inflate earnings. With the recent ethical issues we have

An organization which actively promotes ethical behavior creates a positive work environment with dedicated employees. Corporate policies and training can support procedures for handling situations that may arise. Employees feel more confident when they know they will be treated equitably at work and given opportunities to succeed. Confident employees are more productive, creative, involved, and committed to the organization. When we know we will be treated with honesty, fairness, and respect, we are able to trust our coworkers. That trust enables people to work together more effectively and accomplish the goals of the organization.

Globally, the world of business has also led to an increase in ethical difficulty and dilemmas for managers of cross border firms. In the article titled, Okpara John O. (2014), “The effects of national culture on managers’ attitudes toward business ethics: implications for organizational change”, Okpara John O argues how the impact of globalization in the world of business evaluates the importance of incorporating cultural differences into ethics research. The article is integral part of the idea that cultural differences exist among managers from different continent. These differences in individuals can be highly contributed to perceptions of power management, readiness to cope with unforeseen circumstances, impact for material goods and quality of life among staff, open-minded to change, and group oriented-related within an organizational environment. These differences definitely affect the ethical attitudes and decision-making abilities of managers, especially those in multicultural environments. Recently, when multinational organizations that are spread across the boundaries of different countries displaying different cultures develop their organizational codes of conduct, they are now taking into account the cultural attributes of their local entities and the people who make those entities into consideration. Therefore, a code of conduct ethics that balances cross-cultural perceptions and values is likely to have a greater chance of acceptance among the managers who are expected to abide by it especially when such managers represent different cultures. Okpara John O.

Ethics involve an individual's moral judgments concerning what is right and/or wrong. Individuals or groups of people are responsible for making decisions in an organization (shaw, 2008). Decisions within the organization are always emanate from the company's culture. However, the decision to act ethically and morally requires an individual judgment. Thus, members of staff are obligated to make decisions that reflect their right course of action (shaw, 2008). This involves rejecting the option that could lead to the greatest short-term gain. The leadership of most organizations stresses the need to adopt ethical behaviors and corporate social responsibility. Ethical dealings can earn the organization various benefits. For instance, it may attract more clients to the business thus boosting sales; employees could be motivated to stay longer in the organization thereby reducing recruitment expenditures. Ethical behaviors could also earn the business a favorable reputation that could attract investors. Categorically, a lack of social responsibility or unethical behavior may hurt the firm's reputation and scare away investors. Sales and profits could fall in the process.

Globalism has resulted in a number of changes for the economic viability of the modern corporation. As both the developed world evolves in their new market structure, the developing world adds to the pressures and changes necessary to do business in the contemporary environment. Doing business is not the same worldwide, and the citizens of the global village realize that there are different cultural norms, behaviors, and expectations that stakeholders of all types have when thinking about the modern corporation. Business ethics sets up standards for organizations to act in a way that may be considered right or wrong, or at the very least acceptable or unacceptable. As trade barriers are falling around the globe, differences in morality are gaining more interest regarding such issues as human rights, political behavior or even environmental conservation. The core purpose of a multinational business is to continue to grow the organization, find more resources, develop more product and convert new customers. Without fiscal advantages, organizations would not have the impetus to expand globaly greater profits, less regulation expense, tax incentives, larger universe of workers, etc. Multinational corporations do, however, need to keep in mind that customs, laws, and expectations may very well change by country, but that there are still remaining overall global moral standards of behavior (Mayfield, 2003).

Conducting ethical business in the United States can be seen as clear cut to us. Although we are a diverse nation, as U.S. citizens, most gain experience in the professional environment where ethics is explained thoroughly enough that one is able to determine what is ethical and what is unethical. When it comes to ethics in the international arena, Thomas Donaldson explained how that structure almost does not exist since ethical culture, practices and the social norm is different in each country. In the article, Donaldson debunked previous theories like cultural relativism and ethical imperialism while coming up with a guideline that can help companies proceed in understanding cultural difference while still being ethical. (Donaldson, 1996, pp. 48-52) As I read through the article, it made me remember past events that had cultural dilemma while helping me find new ways to help my ethical decision making skills.

Ethics in the workplace and sometimes the lack thereof can significantly influence the success of an organization. Effective leaders often approach ethical dilemmas by identifying alternative actions and their consequences on stakeholders. The aftermath of the disasters caused by Enron, WorldCom, and other businesses, once prominent companies, resulted in a significant loss of confidence in business leader’s conduct. Organizations in today’s highly competitive business environment must develop an ethical culture to withstand the ever increasing scrutiny by customers, governmental regulatory agencies, and their competition. In order for companies effectively to navigate through the ethical

An upcoming meeting with your new company's chief executive officer (CEO) and other executives is a great opportunity for you to share your knowledge of potentially defective products being sold to customers. You are not sure if others are aware of this issue, and the defective products could possibly lead to serious injuries. To complicate matters, you are uncertain about your organization’s ethical guidelines because none have been communicated (AIU, 2011).

Today’s business world presents numerous ethical issues. In today’s world above board/moral ethics in organizations do not often materialize intuitively. Organization must strive to provide employees with a clear understanding of the overall company vision. This will aid employees in practicing the code of ethics, policies and procedures in the workplace. Companies must be unwavering in continuously delivering the uppermost ethics of provision in which customers, applicants and employees are entitled to under fair business practices. One major core value is to uphold responsible and fair business practices.

The purpose or aim of every organization is to establish such an organizational culture and behavior among its employees that helps in achievement of ideal ethical standards. There are certain determinants that play a critical role in helping achieve the right organizational culture. Some of these include personal moral intensity, social ties, codes of ethics, locus of control and Machiavellianism. These

The world we live in today revolves around business. International business is sometimes called; “The Study of Multinational Companies.” Doing business internationally is an interesting task. There are many cultures, behaviors and traditions that different countries have and it is important to be aware of them. Cultures become crossed when different countries negotiate business. Culture influences how people act, think, and communicate. When dealing business internationally, diving in head first isn 't an option, businesses need to be aware of differences and accommodate them to be successful. There are many ethical issues with international business. Many companies expand internationally because foreign countries offer a higher profit

Geert Hofstede is one of many sociologists that studied and emphasized the importance of ethics and culture in an international business environment. He contended how the culture of the leaders and staff can help one to determine the achievement or ineffectiveness of that business. Rue & Byars described leadership as an ability to influence people and willingly follow one’s guidance or adhere to one’s decisions (Rue, Byars, 2009). The most successful CEO’s and leaders have a well-defined strategic vision, strong passion for the job and the people that work for them and most importantly excellent communication skills. The leaders and managers are the ones the set, define, and shape the culture. They have to be aligned with the culture they intend to lead in order for it to be effective. They must also have a culture that is inseparable from the company they are employed at. Ethics, culture, and global business responsibilities are an integral part of everything the business does. The overall goal is to connect globally and build multinational industries. Unfortunately, due to the number of increasing public scandals international entities have developed various strategies such as policies, processes, and codes of conduct to prevent ethical issues. It’s not only the leader that should be held responsible but the entire corporation. Their lack of responsibility or unethical behavior are one of the many reasons that a business reputation can be damaged. It also prevents