5: The Impact of Culture and Time on Business Ethics
- Page ID
- 2635
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- The text discusses the concept of business ethics as a reflection of the underlying values of a society, influenced by culture, language, religious traditions, and modes of thinking. It suggests that ethics have existed throughout history and have varied geographically, which raises questions about whether there are universal values that transcend time and place. For instance, the respect seen in business protocols across different cultures might suggest a universal value.
- 5.1: The Relationship between Business Ethics and Culture
- The section discusses how business interactions are influenced by cultural processes like acculturation and enculturation and explores the ethical implications when Western business practices encounter diverse cultures. It presents historical examples, such as the purchase of Manhattan, and modern cases like Petrobras and Nike, to highlight challenges in ethical decision-making across cultures.
- 5.2: Business Ethics over Time
- The section discusses how ethical standards evolve over time, influenced by cultural changes, technological advancements, and historical events. It examines periods in history that have shaped business ethics, including the age of mercantilism, the Industrial Revolution, and the Information Age. It highlights shifts in perception, regulation, and consumer influence, illustrating that while ethics transform, they remain a core human trait inherent to business practices.
- 5.3: The Influence of Geography and Religion
- This section discusses the influence of geography and religion on global business ethics. It highlights how geography affects business relationships through differences in time perception, cultural practices, and localization needs. It underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptation for ethical business conduct. The section also explores how religious influences, historically intertwined with ethics, shape business values and practices globally.
- 5.4: Are the Values Central to Business Ethics Universal?
- This section delves into the complexities of business ethics, focusing on the distinction between relative and absolute ethical values, the intertwining of compliance with organizational responsibility and personal values, and the criteria for normative business ethics. It addresses the persistent issue of corruption and its systemic impact, emphasizing the need for organizations to foster a culture of ethical responsibility.
- 5.5: Summary
- The section summaries discuss the intricate relationship between business ethics and cultural influences, highlighting the evolving nature of ethics over time influenced by factors such as technology, geography, and religion. The text suggests that while ethical standards may shift, some universal ethical values remain constant.