Values in Tension: Ethics Away from Home

In the vision and goals of most business plans is to get into the international market after they have succeed in the local market. When a business expands to other regions there are a number of issues or difficulties that the said business might experience. A different market entails a whole different business plan that will be inclusive of the trends and culture consideration of the new market. Since a business cannot impose on the new market without the market in thought it is important to understand a market before entering it. But the biggest problem is, what if the targeted market believes, moral code and customs are not in line with the business ethics and morals? Should a business embrace or turn away from their moral code if it means more profit to it? And what are the repercussions, in the event a business stands with what its ethics even though they differ from that of the targeted market? This are some of the questions that a business targeting an international market faces.

One of the major issue when attempting to enter an international market is understanding the local traditions. Research should be conducted earlier on before entering their market. The traditions include, cultures, belief and religion (Donaldson, 1997). It is important to understand that we are all different and in our beliefs and even learn to respect that difference. The benefits of respecting other people’s traditions will be reflected in how they community accepts your enterprise in their country. It is important not to impose any of what you believe in a new market, since this might bring out some conflict. Respect plays an important role in communalism.

Code of ethics and a more code is a pillar in all nations. Though they might differ from place to place more often than not they all have a common or a key point and that is better humanity. Even if a company is entering an international market, it is important that they respect each and every individual in the new land and acknowledge and accept all their rights. For instance, if a great renowned company wants to expand to a third world country it is important that they treat the employees the same way they world in a more developed country. Every human life is worthy therefore it’s important to respect it no matter what. If you accept a new people, they in turn accept a business and an alliance is forged that will create harmonization in the new environment (Donaldson, 1997).

When starting up in an international market, for instance, import-export business, the first thing is learning about your market. This should not only be on the business margins aspect but also its important to study a countries laws, their traditions, cultures, beliefs and religion (Donaldson, 1997). The importance of this study is to be able to create a picture of how the business will intertwine with the new market. Also since the labor will come from the new environment, it’s important that you do not go perpendicular with their beliefs and cultures. For instance, in some religions they do not work during certain days, therefore if you have prior knowledge of this you are able to plan a work schedule that is applicable to the company whilst at the same time your staff (Donaldson, 1997).

After learning of the market, the next thing is drafting guidelines on the moral code and the ethical standards with regards to the new market. The manager should ensure that this are followed to the letter and if there are any problems, these list should be used as a guide line to problem solving. But it is important that as you are writing these moral code, that you do not disrespect the moral code or traditional practices of the target market. When drafting the code of conduct, it is important to be thorough, and try to includes all scenarios possible. This is to avoid any loop hole to the said law or regulation.

The other thing is forging a relationship with other businesses or other stakeholders in the market. This should include the national government and county or provisional government and the community in general. If you have a productive relationship with other businesses, the competition will be healthier there by ensuring the smooth running of the business. In order to be in the good graces of the national or local government, it is important that you understand their policies and ensure that all the legal formalities required to ensure that there is smooth running of the business are followed and finally that all the tax returns are in check. Finally, with the community, you can attend any community functions to show you support and thereby the local people will see you as their own and accept you (Donaldson, 1997).

Creating a leadership structure is also important (Donaldson, 1997). Since it’s a new region at first you can send a manager from the other branches so that they can see to it that the business is running smoothly. But it is important that you also include people from the country for they may be more knowledgeable with regards to issues in their country. Also they help in issues like language barrier, culture crush or any troubles that might arise from the market. The staff also help in pitching in with ideas, with regards to, trends and preferences of the new market. Ensuring that you have a good and reliable supporting staff and employees is one of the major keys a successful business. The employees should be trained and taught about the company’s moral code of conduct and warned of any repercussions of not following it. This ensures great discipline in the work environment (Donaldson, 1997).

Finally, is establishing a relation with the producer, distributor, supplier and the consumers. Since the four categories play different roles, it is important that contracts be drafted that clearly shows the working relationship (Donaldson, 1997). The customers play the greatest role when it comes to the success and profitability of any business therefore, it is important that they receive quality products or services and in the event of any hiccup there should be a stable customer care service to assist the customer. For the producer, suppliers and distributor, all their roles should be clearly drafted and terms for the said partnership and what might deem the contact null void. This is to prevent any problems during the running of the business. But in all these three things will help to guarantee the success of a business with regards to the ethical standards and that is respecting each human and all their human rights and the harmonization that comes from accepting our differences and unity.

Reference

Donaldson, T. (1997). Values in Tension. Harvard Business School Press.