Business Ethics and Sustainability: What You Need to Know

Discussion 

The say ‘'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'' simply means that people visit foreign places, they should act by the rules and customs of the individuals living there. It also means that when individuals find themselves in unfamiliar positions, they should follow the guidance of those who know. The saying can apply appropriately in the case of international business. Taking into consideration the functions and traditions of a foreign company is a vital step in beginning business engagements. A country like China has various traditions and customs, and therefore if a foreigner wants to engage in a business deal with them, one must impress them by appreciating their traditions and customs other than acting ignorant. Business becomes easier if one follows in the ways of the foreigners because it gives them the sense that one is truly interested, educated, and willing to conform to the diverse nature of life. Failure to respect or appreciate other people’s traditions and general way of doing things would negatively impact the business as the foreigners would tend to shy away from such people due to their poor reputation. 

When conducting business in a foreign country, it is imperative to understand that there is a huge likelihood that the laws governing business operations are different from that of one’s country. The laws include those governing tax, imports, customs, and liability among others. Therefore, one is obliged to operate according to the laws of the foreign country because they are bound by them once they step there. Failure to comply with such regulation, one can be subjected to legal processes that might result in punishments that are severe than one would have acquired in their original country. 

Chandler and Werther Jr (2013) asserted that when carrying out business, some ethical considerations legitimately apply cross-culturally. The ethics can be divided into through broad considerations. First, the respect for the core human values is important because they determine the moral thresholds for business activities. Secondly, people must depict a sense of respect for the local traditions. The third ethical guideline that should matter is the fact that context is appropriate when making decisions about what is right or wrong. On the other hand, certain ethical values should not be applied cross-culturally especially those that emanate from religious and cultural values given the fact that diversity must be respected. 

Essay 

1. One company that I found to be ethical is Apple Inc. The reason behind this is that it does not have a bad reputation in the past years and also produces quality goods and services to its consumers worldwide. It also has a supplier code of conduct that is committed to the best standards with regards social and environmental responsibility that is coupled with the adherence to the moral and ethical conducts. The firm that I consider unethical is MacDonald's. It has built a poor reputation over the past few years partly due to rude workers, the production of unhealthy foods, and the use of toys that play a part in luring the kids into using the unhealthy foods. 

2. Ferrell and Fraedrich (2015) asserted that an ethical company is usually determined by its tendency to comply with laws and regulations that govern business. It must also be free from controversies such as bribery, discrimination, and failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in the corporate social responsibility. Above all, there should be a high level of trust between the business and the consumers of the products. With regards to both Apple Inc. and Macdonald's the judgment on whether they are ethical or unethical respectively has not only been determined by their reputation but also their adherence to the tenets described. 

3. Several factors can be used to prove the ethical situations of both the two companies. On its part, Apple Inc. other than providing quality products that enjoy a global market, they have various rules and codes of conduct that are responsible for protecting human rights, discrimination, harassment, and abuse among others ( Chitakornkijsil, 2012). The company also adheres to the tenets of corporate and social responsibilities by protecting the environment and employing environmentally responsible practices. Also, the business applies integrity by its reputation of not engaging in extortion, corruption, bribery, and embezzlement among other antisocial behavior. Concerning McDonald's Company, its major concerns have been on the production of unhealthy foods especially for children and the effects it has on the environment through the pollution and the massive amount of energies they require to keep all their industries alive that destroys forests ( Ciamarra, 2012). The employees in the company have also complained of incidences of underpayment and little benefits which is unethical for a company that makes huge amounts of profits. 

4. The Apple Company is mainly focused on innovation as an identity for their culture. Other core aspects of their culture include excellence, creativity, secrecy, and moderate combativeness. The culture has helped it in remaining competitive amidst the entrance of many other similar organizations. Decisions in the company are made through a chain of leadership and management in the company. With regards to McDonald’s Company, its culture is built on the precepts of providing the best services to its consumers worldwide including the community members and employees. Comparing their business culture and decisions to their ethical considerations, Apple Inc. matches their innovative and excellent foundation to their responsibility as far as ethics is concerned. McDonald's, whose culture focuses on the provision of the best services to their customers, employees, and community, does not meet its goals as stipulated in is ethical considerations. 

5. The impressions are accurate, and therefore no modification is required. The analysis is evident-based, not just on the companies' reputation but evidence from scholarly articles. The assessment is therefore not biased and gives a true reflection of what is experienced on the ground. 

References 

Chandler, D., & Werther Jr, W. B. (2013). Strategic corporate social responsibility: Stakeholders, globalization, and sustainable value creation . Sage Publications. 

Chitakornkijsil, P. (2012). Brand integrity, advertising, and marketing ethics as well as social responsibility. International Journal of Organizational Innovation (Online) , 4 (4), 109. 

Ciamarra, D. (2012). Mcdonald's corporation: Mcdonald's & You—. Iust East Of Eaton. 10 Great Curricula: Lived Conversations of Progressive, Democratic Curricula in School and Society , 73. 

Ferrell, O. C., & Fraedrich, J. (2015). Business ethics: Ethical decision making & cases . Nelson Education.