Values in Tension: Ethics Away from Home

Abstract

This chapter discusses the principles for the managers to work through the maze of cultural differences and establish codes of conduct for globally ethical business practice. To shape ethical behavior, companies must be guided by three principles: respecting core human values; respecting local traditions; and the belief that context matters when deciding what is right and what is wrong. Respecting differences is a crucial ethical practice. Research shows that management ethics differ among cultures; respecting those differences means recognizing that some cultures have obvious weaknesses—as well as hidden strengths. Managers must recognize that when countries have different ethical standards, there are two types of conflict that commonly arise. These are conflict of relative development, and conflict of cultural tradition. Learning to spot intolerable practices and to exercise good judgment when ethical conflicts arise requires practice. Creating a company culture that rewards ethical behavior is essential. The chapter provides guidelines for developing a global ethical perspective among managers can help.

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