“When in Lebanon, do as Lebanese do” and “When in Rome, do as Romans do” are examples of Situational Ethics. In other words, follow the local practices. Others argue that each company must have a standardized code of ethics wherever this corporation operates. But can a company function with the same set of principles in their home land and abroad?As businesses are becoming increasingly global, this ethics debate is intensified. For example, company XYZ is centered in an industrial country but also operates in developing countries. XYZ engages in some unethical activities in a developing country to increase profits and market share there. However, applying “situational ethics” in developing countries is the fastest way to destroy a global organization.
Therefore, to maintain a company’s success, it must adopt the same standards of business ethics and forget about situational ethics. Only by doing so a company is able to thrive in the global market.
Written by Fadi Jibawi
1 comments:
I agree, but the sad part is that ethics and principles vary from one person to another and are relative. If there is no standard to measure against it can vary and can be compromised specially in this fast changing world. So it is worth it to pause and ask what is the absolute and non changing trurh and principle, or is there such a thing. I believe there is.
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