Straw Men Approaches to Ethics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the core starting point for addressing ethics in international business?

Sustainability

Employment practices

Ethics (correct)

Corporate social responsibility

What does an ethical strategy in business refer to?

A strategy that considers employment practices

A strategy that violates a company's business ethics

A strategy that does not violate a company's business ethics (correct)

A strategy that promotes sustainability

Which factors can contribute to ethical issues in international business?

Political systems

Laws

Economic development

All of the above (correct)

When work conditions in a host nation are inferior to those in a multinational's home nation, which standards apply?

Home nation standards Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common ethical issue in international business?

Corruption Signup and view all the answers

Why is it incredibly difficult to come up with global standards for ethical issues in international business?

Differences in political systems and laws Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not considered a social issue in international business?

Employment practices Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher believed that the social responsibility of business is to increase profits as long as it stays within the rules of law?

Milton Friedman Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to ethics focuses on the moral worth of actions or practices being determined by their consequences?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical approach to ethics emphasizes that people should be treated as ends and never purely as means to the ends of others?

Kantian ethics Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to ethics focuses on the attainment of a just distribution of economic goods and services?

Justice theories Signup and view all the answers

What is one managerial implication for making ethical decisions internationally?

Hire and promote people with a strong sense of personal ethics Signup and view all the answers

What does moral courage enable managers to do, according to the text?

Walk away from profitable but unethical decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on?

The understanding that businesses have a social responsibility to give back to the societies that enable their growth and prosperity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the basic human rights found in developed nations?

Freedom from political repression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the Sullivan principles adopted by General Motors in relation to the apartheid system in South Africa?

The principles were not sufficient to break down the apartheid regime Signup and view all the answers

Is it ethical for multinational corporations to do business with repressive regimes?

No, because some regimes are so repressive that investment cannot be justified on ethical grounds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of the tragedy of the commons?

It occurs when a resource held in common by all but owned by no one is overused by individuals, resulting in its degradation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Convention on combating bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions?

To make the bribery of foreign officials a criminal offense Signup and view all the answers

How do personal ethics form?

Personal ethics are formed by our parents, schools, religion, and the media Signup and view all the answers

What are the six determinants of ethical behavior?

Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes sustainable strategies?

Strategies that make good profits without harming the environment and act in a socially responsible manner to stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea of sustainability?

To ensure that actions do not negatively impact future generations' ability to meet their own economic needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the precautionary principle?

A principle that advises being cautious and considering potential negative impacts before taking action Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to engage in ethical behavior?

To place moral concerns ahead of other concerns Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the five-step process to think through ethical problems?

Identifying which stakeholders the decision would affect and in what ways Signup and view all the answers

What is stakeholder analysis?

A process that involves standing in the shoes of stakeholders and considering how a proposed decision might impact them Signup and view all the answers

What is the second step in the five-step process to think through ethical problems?

Determining whether the proposed decision violates the fundamental rights of stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

What is moral intent?

Placing moral concerns ahead of other concerns Signup and view all the answers

What is the fifth step in the five-step process to think through ethical problems?

Auditing decisions to ensure they are consistent with ethical principles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethics in International Business

Core starting point for addressing ethics involves recognizing cultural differences and establishing a framework for ethical practices across borders.
An ethical strategy refers to a business approach that integrates ethical considerations into decision-making and operations to maintain integrity and accountability.

Factors Contributing to Ethical Issues

Differences in legal standards and cultural norms can lead to ethical dilemmas in international operations.
Economic and social pressures in host countries may complicate ethical decision-making for multinational corporations.

Work Conditions Standards

When host nation work conditions are inferior, multinational companies must adhere to either the local standards or their home nation’s ethical standards.

Common Ethical Issues

The most prevalent ethical issue in international business is labor exploitation, including unfair wages and unsafe working conditions.

Global Ethical Standards Challenges

Difficulty in establishing global ethical standards arises from varying cultural norms, legal frameworks, and economic conditions across nations.

Not all business practices, such as profit maximization, constitute social issues in international business.

Philosophical Perspectives

Milton Friedman championed the idea that the primary responsibility of business is to increase profits while obeying the law.
Consequentialism is an ethical approach where the moral value of an action is measured by its outcomes.
Kantian ethics emphasizes treating individuals as ends in themselves and not merely as means to an end.
Distributive justice focuses on equitable distribution of economic resources.

Managerial Ethical Implications

Ethical decision-making internationally requires understanding diverse ethical frameworks and tailoring business practices accordingly.

Moral Courage

Moral courage empowers managers to uphold ethical standards and take stands against unethical practices, even under pressure.

CSR is based on the concept that businesses have responsibilities beyond profit generation, including societal and environmental accountability.

Human Rights Context

Certain rights not explicitly recognized in developed nations may include social or economic rights that are often overlooked.

Sullivan Principles Overview

The Sullivan Principles advocated for fair employment practices and improved conditions under South Africa's apartheid, promoting equal treatment.

Business with Repressive Regimes

Engaging in business with repressive regimes raises significant ethical questions about complicity in human rights violations.

Tragedy of the Commons

This concept illustrates the conflict between individual interests and communal resources, leading to environmental degradation.

Combating Bribery Convention Purpose

The convention aims to curtail corruption in international business by promoting transparency and accountability in dealings with foreign public officials.

Formation of Personal Ethics

Personal ethics are shaped by various influences, including upbringing, culture, education, and life experiences.

Determinants of Ethical Behavior

Six key factors impacting ethical behavior include individual moral philosophies, organizational culture, formal policies, industry norms, ethical leadership, and personal beliefs.

Sustainable Strategies

Sustainable strategies promote practices that ensure long-term viability and accountability to stakeholders while minimizing environmental impact.

Core Idea of Sustainability

Sustainability seeks to balance economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social wellbeing for present and future generations.

Precautionary Principle

This principle advocates for preventive action in the face of uncertainty, aiming to avoid harm to the public or the environment.

Engaging in Ethical Behavior

Engaging in ethical behavior means making choices that align with personal and societal values, prioritizing integrity over profitability.

Ethical Problem-Solving Process

The first step involves identifying the ethical dilemma clearly and precisely, considering the implications of various actions.

Stakeholder Analysis

Stakeholder analysis is the process of assessing the expectations, interests, and influence of all parties affected by business decisions.

Second Step in Ethical Problem-Solving

The second step entails gathering relevant information to understand better the context and consequences of potential actions.

Moral Intent Definition

Moral intent refers to the commitment to act ethically, prioritizing ethical considerations over profit or personal gain.

Final Step in Ethical Problem-Solving

The fifth step involves evaluating the outcomes of the chosen course of action and reflecting on the ethical implications to inform future decisions.

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Test your knowledge of different philosophical approaches to ethics and their implications for ethical decision making. Explore concepts like straw men, the Friedman Doctrine, and cultural relativism. Discover how these ideas shape our understanding of what is morally right and wrong.

Ethical Approaches Quiz

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