(MODULE 5) ASSIGNMENT 1- REFLECTIVE THINKING

1) Define ethics and discuss how it impacts global business?

Ethics is about dealing what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation. It is
also a set of principles and theory or system of moral values. Here are some areas
where ethics impact global business; ethics and management practices wherein ethics
impacts various aspects of management and operations, including human resources,
marketing, research and development, and even the corporate mission. The role of
ethics in management practices, particularly those practices involving human resources
and employment, differs from culture to culture. Local culture impacts the way people
view the employee-employer relationship. Second, ethics and corruption and last is
corporate social responsibility

2) How does culture impact global business ethics?

Culture influences how the local values of a particular country impact global business
ethics and specific ethical behavior. There are areas where culture impacts global
business in communication which essential to the success of any business venture but
also critical in such way of lack of translation and also gestures. The other one is
workplace etiquette, the norms around the world where being put together which also
useful infographic for a quick reference of cultural differences in business etiquette
globally. Last one is the attitude.

3) How can global firms develop and enforce ethical guidelines and standards?

Many global firms have set up ethics assistance lines - often called help lines – or
help desks to offer support and give employees an opportunity to ask questions or
report ethical concerns. An easy-to-use help line or desk can serve as a safety net that
increases the chance of detecting and responding to unethical conduct in a timely
manner. If a company is not making progress toward creating and maintaining an
ethical culture, it needs to determine why and take corrective action, either by enforcing
current standards more strictly or by setting higher standards. Corrective action may
involve rewarding employees who comply with company policies and standards and
punishing those who do not. If the firm fails to take corrective action against unethical or
illegal behavior, the inappropriate behavior is likely to continue. Determining unethical
behavior are important for companies' long-term relationships with their employees,
customers, and community. If the code of ethics is aggressively enforced and becomes
part of the corporate culture, it can effectively improve ethical behavior within the
organization. If a code is not properly enforced, it becomes mere window dressing and
will accomplish little toward improving ethical behavior and decisions.