The business ethics of your partner in North America, your supplier in India, or your customer in Europe, may vary because they have their root in the culture of their home society. What are some of the key ethical issues facing companies doing business in a global context? What is your view of how well businesses have done in facing and addressing those ethical issues?

Although more small businesses are venturing into the global marketplace, large multinational corporations still represent much of international business, and the ethical expectations of them are often greater because of their size and visibility. These corporations face complex business ethics environments that vary widely from country to country. In addition to the stakeholders normally considered in any ethical business decision, the number of stakeholders grows to include host governments, foreign suppliers, agents, and other organizations.
The idea of variation in business ethics formally known as "cultural relativism" states that the "right way to act"-what is "good behaviour"-is nothing more than behaviour that is socially approved by the majority within a culture. What some countries, cultures and governments perceive as good and ethical business practices meant to boost the competitive advantage of their home country corporations are often seen as just the opposite-bordering on the unethical and providing an unfair advantage over competitors.
Other potential ethical questions that could be mentioned include: global supply chain, product quality, labour rights and standards, corruption, bribery, extortion, safety standards, concerns about environmental degradation, crime, lack of legal enforcement or clear property rights, women's rights, children's rights. Students will have different views on how businesses have managed in light of these issues.
Multinational companies are gaining experience in managing these complex ethical issues in a complex, but more globalized world. The expanding interest in business ethics and the development of international guidelines to guide business behaviour across cultural boundaries will help bring more consistency in ethical standards and contribute to making the international business experience a richer and more satisfying one for all concerned.