Step 1 Review The Following Articles To Assist You

Step 1review The Following Articles To Assist You With This Assignment

Review the following articles to assist you with this assignment: Bribery Article 1 Bribery Article 2. Discuss the following: What is the dilemma that each organization is facing? Explore whether bribery is right or wrong, and discuss using ethical relativism principles. Identify the cultural differences in bribery practices. A minimum of 1 reference should be used to reinforce your thoughts. Be sure to include it both as an in-text citation and on your reference page.

Paper For Above instruction

Bribery continues to be a contentious issue in the global business environment, presenting ethical dilemmas that vary significantly across cultures. As organizations navigate international markets, they often face conflicting moral standards and local practices that challenge their ethical principles. This paper examines the dilemmas faced by organizations involved in bribery, analyzes the morality of such practices through the lens of ethical relativism, and explores cultural differences in bribery behaviors, supported by relevant scholarly and credible sources.

In the context of the articles on bribery, organizations often confront a dilemma between adhering to their ethical standards and succumbing to local customs or practices. For instance, in some cultures, offering a bribe is viewed as a routine business practice necessary to facilitate operations or ensure favorable treatment. Conversely, organizations committed to integrity and transparency recognize bribery as corrupt and unlawful behavior. The ethical dilemma arises because ignoring local customs could jeopardize business opportunities, whereas engaging in bribery compromises the organization’s moral integrity and violates international anti-corruption laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in the United States.

Many organizations justify participation in bribery cases by emphasizing cultural relativism—the idea that moral standards are culturally dependent, and what may be considered unethical in one society could be acceptable in another (Kohlberg, 1984). Ethical relativism posits that moral judgments are not universal but are shaped by societal norms and practices. Applying this principle, some argue that bribery is ethically permissible in countries where it is a deeply embedded aspect of business culture; thus, organizations may rationalize participation to align with local customs and maintain competitive advantage. However, this perspective calls into question whether relativism can justify morally questionable practices that breach international standards and promote corruption.

Cultural differences significantly influence perceptions and practices of bribery. For example, in India, some perceive bribery as a "necessary evil" to navigate bureaucratic obstacles, whereas in the United States, it is strictly condemned and penalized (Kestenbaum, 2010). Such differences point to varying societal norms regarding the acceptability and prevalence of bribery. While some cultures view gift-giving or facilitation payments as customary, others regard these behaviors as corruption and a violation of ethical standards. These cultural distinctions complicate efforts by multinational companies to establish uniform ethical policies and highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity and contextual understanding in international business ethics.

Furthermore, the debate over bribery underscores the tension between respecting cultural differences and upholding universal ethical principles. Critics argue that ethical relativism can provide cover for unethical practices, enabling corporations to exploit cultural differences to justify corrupt behaviors. Conversely, supporters contend that moral standards should be adapted to local contexts to promote harmonious cross-cultural relations and economic development, particularly in developing nations where bribery may be intertwined with social and political norms (Markowitz, 2012). Nonetheless, the global movement towards anti-corruption measures, exemplified by the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, seeks to establish common standards transcending cultural boundaries and discouraging bribery regardless of local customs.

In conclusion, organizations face complex ethical dilemmas regarding bribery, influenced heavily by cultural norms and practices. While ethical relativism offers a framework to understand these differences, it also risks endorsing morally questionable behaviors if misapplied. The challenge for multinational companies is to develop ethical policies that respect cultural diversity yet maintain a commitment to integrity and compliance with international standards. Promoting transparency and accountability remains central to combating bribery and fostering sustainable, ethical international business practices.

References

• Kestenbaum, D. (2010, April 22). Bribery in India: A good thing? NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org
• Markowitz, E. (2012, April 27). The truth about bribery and doing foreign business. Inc. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com
• Kohlberg, L. (1984). The psychology of moral development: Essays on moral development. Harper & Row.
• Transparency International. (2023). Corruption perceptions index. https://www.transparency.org
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2019). Convention on combating bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions. https://www.oecd.org
• Sanyal, S. (2007). Ethical dilemmas of multinational corporations operating in India. Journal of Business Ethics, 74(3), 363-378.
• Huntington, S. P. (1996). The clash of civilizations and the remaking of world order. Simon & Schuster.
• Rose-Ackerman, S. (1999). Corruption and government: Causes, consequences, and reform. Cambridge University Press.
• Husted, B. W., & Allen, D. B. (2008). Rights and responsibilities in the global economy. Journal of Business Ethics, 80(2), 273-285.
• Husted, B. W., & Allen, D. B. (Hons.) (2010). Management ethics: Stability and change. Journal of Business Ethics, 91(3), 317-332.