Directed Study
Directed Study #2
International Management - Managing Across Borders and Cultures
Chapter 2
Managing Interdependence -Social Responsibility and Ethics
Discussion Questions
3. What does moral universalism mean? Discuss your perspective on this concept. Do you think the goal of moral universalism is possible? Is it advisable?
Moral universalism is a moral standard toward social responsibility accepted by all cultures.
My opinion is that what is morally correct in my culture may not be in another culture. If we practice equality then is it right for us to tell another culture what is morally correct. How then do we enforce our morals on others? With the numerous cultures and beliefs how do we determine what a universal standard is? And if a standard is found, how do you enforce it and what would the consequence be for breaking it. There are just too many uncertainties. I do not think that is possible to achieve moral universalism. Who makes the determination of what is morally correct? In theory it would be a lot easier if everyone had the same moral basis. In practice it is much more difficult to achieve. It is not advisable to enforce moral universalism on other cultures because then we are passing judgment on what is right or wrong for others instead of what is right or wrong for our own selves. With so many varied cultural attitudes and beliefs
4. What do you think should be the role of MNCs toward human rights issues in other countries? What are the major human rights concerns at this time? What ideas do you have for dealing with these problems? What is the role of corporate codes of conduct in dealing with these concerns?
MNCs (Multinational corporations) are businesses that have operations in more than one country and have a role on human rights issues but MNCs must be very careful not to become instruments of political change or policy making, because they are economic institutions. There are social, civil and political, minority, and environmental
International Management - Managing Across Borders and Cultures
Chapter 2
Managing Interdependence -Social Responsibility and Ethics
Discussion Questions
3. What does moral universalism mean? Discuss your perspective on this concept. Do you think the goal of moral universalism is possible? Is it advisable?
Moral universalism is a moral standard toward social responsibility accepted by all cultures.
My opinion is that what is morally correct in my culture may not be in another culture. If we practice equality then is it right for us to tell another culture what is morally correct. How then do we enforce our morals on others? With the numerous cultures and beliefs how do we determine what a universal standard is? And if a standard is found, how do you enforce it and what would the consequence be for breaking it. There are just too many uncertainties. I do not think that is possible to achieve moral universalism. Who makes the determination of what is morally correct? In theory it would be a lot easier if everyone had the same moral basis. In practice it is much more difficult to achieve. It is not advisable to enforce moral universalism on other cultures because then we are passing judgment on what is right or wrong for others instead of what is right or wrong for our own selves. With so many varied cultural attitudes and beliefs
4. What do you think should be the role of MNCs toward human rights issues in other countries? What are the major human rights concerns at this time? What ideas do you have for dealing with these problems? What is the role of corporate codes of conduct in dealing with these concerns?
MNCs (Multinational corporations) are businesses that have operations in more than one country and have a role on human rights issues but MNCs must be very careful not to become instruments of political change or policy making, because they are economic institutions. There are social, civil and political, minority, and environmental