Table To Use Is Attached: Complete A 1-2 Page Table Using Th
Table To Use Is Attachedcompletea 1 To 2 Page Table Using The Positi
| Right | Opinion (Personal View) | Corresponding Ethical Theory | Analysis and Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| The right to a higher education | I believe access to higher education is essential for providing equal opportunities and fostering societal progress. | Social Contract Theory | According to social contract theory, society has an obligation to ensure equitable access to education as part of a collective agreement to promote fairness and well-being. Ensuring higher education for all aligns with societal duties to empower individuals and enhance social cohesion (Rawls, 1971). |
| The right to private phone conversations | I consider privacy a fundamental right that should be protected from unwarranted government or corporate surveillance. | Kantian Deontology | Kantian ethics emphasizes respecting individuals as ends in themselves, which entails safeguarding privacy and avoiding exploitation or infringement on personal autonomy (Kant, 1785). Privacy rights reflect Kant's imperative to treat individuals with dignity and respect. |
| The right to health care | I believe access to healthcare is a basic human right that societies should guarantee to promote health equity and social justice. | Utilitarianism | Utilitarian ethics advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness and reduce suffering. Providing universal healthcare increases societal well-being by ensuring healthier populations (Mill, 1863). It thus supports the idea of healthcare as a positive right. |
| The right of a presidential or government candidate to receive time on television | I support equal opportunity for political candidates to communicate with the electorate through broadcast media. | Libertarianism | Libertarian views emphasize individual freedoms and the importance of free speech. Ensuring candidates have access aligns with the principle of free expression and prohibits undue government censorship (Nozick, 1974). |
Ethical Challenge for U.S. Companies Acquiring Non-U.S. Companies
One significant ethical challenge that U.S. companies face when acquiring non-U.S. entities involves navigating differing cultural values and legal standards. For example, a U.S.-based corporation may encounter ethical dilemmas related to labor practices, environmental regulations, or corporate governance in countries with lax regulations or different societal norms. An ethical challenge arises when the home country's standards conflict with local practices, potentially leading to accusations of cultural imperialism or exploitation.
During cross-border acquisitions, companies must balance respecting local customs and legal frameworks with maintaining ethical integrity aligned with international human rights standards. For instance, if a host country permits working conditions that U.S. firms consider exploitative, the firm faces a dilemma: comply with local law and risk ethical criticism or adhere to stricter home-country standards which may conflict with local practices. This situation raises questions about corporate social responsibility and the universal application of ethical principles versus cultural relativism (Crane, Matten, & Spence, 2014).
Furthermore, differences in legal systems complicate transparency and accountability. U.S. companies may be tempted to exploit regulatory loopholes or prioritize profit over ethical obligations, especially where enforcement is weak. This can lead to reputational risks, consumer backlash, and potential legal consequences if corporate actions are perceived as unethical or exploitative (Donaldson & Dunfee, 1999).
Additionally, ethical challenges include issues related to bribery, intellectual property rights, and environmental impact. For example, engaging in practices deemed unethical by American standards might be normalized or even legal in the host country, yet these actions risk violating U.S. laws or ethical norms. Companies need to develop comprehensive international ethical policies that align with both U.S. legal standards and universal human rights principles, emphasizing corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
In conclusion, acquiring non-U.S. companies presents complex ethical challenges stemming from cultural differences, legal standards, and societal expectations. Companies can navigate these issues by adopting ethical frameworks grounded in respect, fairness, and responsibility, integrating international standards with local practices to promote sustainable and ethical global commerce.
Conclusion
The exploration of positive rights through personal opinion and ethical theories reveals that many rights are underpinned by a shared sense of societal obligation and moral principles such as justice, respect, and wellbeing. The rights to higher education, private communication, healthcare, and political participation reflect fundamental values that transcend cultural boundaries, though their implementation varies worldwide. Equally, U.S. companies operating internationally must confront the ethical complexities of cross-cultural acquisitions, balancing respect for local norms with adherence to universal ethical standards. Navigating these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of international ethics, corporate responsibility, and cultural sensitivity to foster sustainable and ethically sound global business practices.
References
- Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (2014). Corporate Social Responsibility: Readings and Cases in a Global Context. Routledge.
- Donaldson, T., & Dunfee, T. W. (1999). Ties That Bind: A Social Contracts Approach to Business Ethics. Harvard Business Review, 77(2), 69-79.
- Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
- Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
- Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Basic Books.
- Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.