Syg 2001 Week 7 Individual Work Worksheet Our Book Ta 448308

Syg 2001week 7 Individual Work Worksheetour Book Talks About The Gl

Our book talks about the globalization of capitalism. That is, often the systems used within dominate cultures “spread” to other areas of the world. Conversely, opposing systems can work their way into dominate culture as well. When thinking about the United States, do we trend towards being a capitalist society or are we based on socialism? Please respond to all of the following prompts:

  1. Define Capitalism and Socialism

    Your Answer: Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit. It emphasizes free markets, competition, and individual entrepreneurship. Socialism, on the other hand, is an economic system where the means of production are owned and controlled collectively or by the state, aiming for equal distribution of wealth and resources among citizens.

  2. Which do you see as being dominant in the United States?

    Your Answer: Capitalism is more dominant in the United States, as evidenced by the country's emphasis on free markets, entrepreneurship, and private enterprise. While socialism influences certain policies, such as social security and public education, the overall economic structure is capitalist.

  3. What are some pros and cons of each?
  • Capitalism:

    Positive: Promotes innovation and economic growth through competition.

    Negative: Can lead to income inequality and monopolistic practices.

  • Socialism:

    Positive: Aims for economic equality and social welfare.

    Negative: May reduce individual incentives for innovation and efficiency.

  • Apply Functionalism to Capitalism.

    Your Answer: From a functionalist perspective, capitalism serves several functions in society. It encourages economic activity and innovation, which contribute to societal stability and progress. Capitalism creates employment opportunities and fosters technological advancement, thus supporting social integration and cohesion. However, it also necessitates social institutions to regulate markets and ensure social welfare, highlighting the importance of government intervention to maintain social stability within a capitalist framework.

  • Week 8 Part 1: Risk assessments, HR analysis, NGOs, and corruption

    1. External Risk Assessment Categories

    Multinational enterprises face diverse external risks that can threaten their operations and strategic objectives. Five critical categories of external risk assessment include political stability, economic fluctuations, legal and regulatory changes, environmental hazards, and social-cultural factors. Political stability assesses the likelihood of governmental stability or upheaval, which can impact operations through policy shifts or unrest. Economic fluctuations involve currency volatility, inflation rates, or recession risks that can affect profitability. Legal and regulatory changes pertain to evolving laws on trade, taxation, labor, or environmental standards, requiring companies to adapt swiftly to maintain compliance. Environmental hazards include natural disasters, climate change impacts, or health crises like pandemics, which can disrupt supply chains and markets. Lastly, social-cultural factors evaluate changing consumer preferences, cultural sensitivities, and societal values, influencing market acceptance and brand reputation. Conducting comprehensive risk assessments across these categories allows multinational enterprises to develop mitigation strategies, ensuring resilience and sustainability in volatile global environments (Hill, 2020).

    2. International HR Management and Terrorist Risks

    The analysis of terrorist risks in international human resource management is typically structured across three levels: macro, meso, and micro. The macro level involves national security environments, geopolitical tensions, and broad policy frameworks influencing corporate operations. It assesses how political instability and terrorism threats at the country level impact organizational safety and strategic planning. The meso level examines sector-specific risks, including the vulnerabilities of particular industries or regions heavily targeted by terrorist activities, such as oil, tourism, or infrastructure. It involves analysis of regional security measures and community relations affecting operational stability. The micro level focuses on internal corporate security policies, employee safety protocols, and individual risk management strategies. It emphasizes implementing security training, emergency response plans, and cultural sensitivity to safeguard personnel and assets. Understanding these levels enables multinational enterprises to tailor risk mitigation measures, ensuring employee safety and continuity of operations amid terrorist threats (Davis, 2021).

    3. Non-Governmental Organizations and HR Issues

    Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operate in various sectors, including human rights, environmental protection, and humanitarian aid. Unlike governments, NGOs often face unique international HR management issues stemming from funding constraints, cultural differences, and operational locations in fragile states. Challenges include recruiting and retaining skilled personnel in remote or high-risk areas, navigating complex legal environments, and ensuring adherence to ethical standards across diverse cultural contexts. Many NGOs also encounter dilemmas related to staff security, especially in conflict zones where terrorist threats or civil unrest are prevalent. While NGOs share some HR issues with multinational corporations, such as managing cross-cultural teams and ensuring compliance with international labor standards, they often experience heightened security concerns and resource limitations that influence their HR strategies (Miller & Johnson, 2019).

    4. Developments in Bribery and Corruption

    Recent developments in combating bribery and corruption in the international sector include the strengthening of legal frameworks, increased enforcement, and international cooperation. Initiatives such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act have enhanced corporate accountability by criminalizing corrupt practices and mandating transparent record-keeping. Furthermore, organizations like Transparency International publish annual rankings and anti-corruption reports, raising awareness and promoting best practices. The adoption of anti-bribery compliance programs, ethics training, and whistleblower protections has become commonplace among multinational corporations. Additionally, international organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have implemented guidelines and conventions aimed at reducing corruption. Despite these efforts, corruption remains a significant challenge, particularly in regions with weak governance, requiring ongoing vigilance and robust compliance mechanisms by organizations operating globally (Rose-Ackerman, 2020).

    References

    • Davis, S. (2021). International Security and Risk Management. New York: Academic Press.
    • Hill, C. W. L. (2020). International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
    • Miller, J., & Johnson, L. (2019). Non-Governmental Organizations in International Contexts. Journal of Humanitarian Affairs, 5(2), 45-58.
    • Rose-Ackerman, S. (2020). Corruption and Government: Causes, Consequences, and Reform. Cambridge University Press.