International Business Ethics and Incipient Capitalism: A Double Standard Richard De George If ethical mores differ from society to society what rules do you follow? Business ethics depend on the structure of a society Business ethics is socioeconomic Business ethics must take into account existing infrastructure
BUSINESS IN RUSSIA Translating from communism/socialism to capitalism Legal system in flux Basic norms should be honored (murder, extortion) No need to reinvent just modify ethical norms Corruption should be stopped now Transition will be difficult Some unethical acts may need to continue (bribery)
Values in Tension: Ethics Away From Home Thomas Donaldson CULTURAL RELATIVIST Country has the right to establish it own health and safety regulations ETHICAL IMPERIALISM Do everything exactly the same as in their home country Absolutists
PROBLEMS WITH IMPERIALISM Different cultural traditions must be respected There is more than one set of concepts to define moral truth Context helps shape ethical practices
GUIDING PRINCIPLES Respect for Core Human Values Good Health Right to Economic Advancement Must not treat people as tools Respect for Local Traditions Context Matters
STAGE OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CONFLICT OF RELATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONFLICT OF CULTURAL TRADITIONS
CORPORATE GUIDELINES Treat Corporate Values and Formal Standards of Conduct as Absolutes Control Relationships with Suppliers and Customers Allow Foreign Business Units to Formulate Ethical Standards Support Efforts to Decrease Institutional Corruption Exercise Moral Imagination