An Ethical Framework for Global CSR

“The new global marketplace will bring with it a unique set of opportunities and challenges. How we face these challenges will define the business ethics for the new century, for increasingly, business problems are ethical problems.”  

As globalization pulls the nations together into a single market, ethical dilemmas grow in complexity as we must consider different cultural values and norms while preserving the environment and protecting human rights globally. In a rebalancing global economy, when we encounter tension in moral standards across borders, we need to be more open than ever to the possibility of revision.

The problem is often one of ambiguity, as with an ethical dilemma, the right choice is not so obvious. You have two acceptable alternatives. In the business world, this might mean the difference between long-term and short-term goals."

For the foundation of any ethical and moral framework in business, goals need to be focused on the long-term sustainability of not only the enterprise but also the environment that supports that enterprise as well as our collective existence. In today’s global business environment, emerging ethical business values may not only guide family business governance but also provide the greater ethical context for doing global business.

Our business values should reflect an understanding of our social and environmental codependency. I will attempt to establish an ethical framework that can be applied in a global context using a deontological perspective; particularly focusing on Kant’s categorical imperative: “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

1. Respect humanity: The fundamental principle of a desirable global economic ethic is humanity. Since it can be assumed that we all wish to be respected by others, Kant’s categorical imperative would obligate us to treat others with respect.

a. Protect and respect human rights.

b. Understand and respect cultural values and norms.

c. Contribute to poverty alleviation where opportunities and resources are less abundant.

d. Do no harm.

e. Treat all humans equitable regardless of nationality, ethnicity, culture, etc. The exploitation and the abuse of situations of dependence as well as the arbitrary discrimination of persons are irreconcilable with the principle of humanity.

2. Respect the natural environment: We are all dependent on the planet’s biodiversity and finite resources. For our industries to disrupt the natural biodiversity or take more resources that the earth can replenish is not sustainable. Since we cannot sustain our existence this way we cannot will that it should become a universal law without wishing a lack of resources for ourselves.

a. Take only what is necessary.

b. Use renewable resources when available.

c. Strive for clean energy solutions.

d. Respect wildlife.

e. Pursue sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions

f. Mitigate waste

3. Be honest and transparent: Truthfulness, honesty, and reliability are essential values for sustainable economic relationships that promote general human well-being. They are prerequisites for creating trust between human beings and for promoting fair economic competition. Dishonesty and secrecy cannot be universally applied while expecting honesty in return.

a. Transparency in the organizations operations and intentions.

b. Honest and transparent financial disclosures.

c. Accurate labeling revealing contents of a product.

d. Transparency of factory conditions, energy use, environmental pollutants, safety hazards, etc.

References

Films Media Group. (1994). Ethics in the marketplace: A business challenge: Ethics and the Global Market [H.264].

Hemphill, T., & Lillevik, W. (2011). The Global Economic Ethic Manifesto: Implementing a Moral Values Foundation in the Multinational Enterprise. Journal Of Business Ethics, 101(2), 213-230. doi:10.1007/s10551-010-0718-4

Blodgett, M., Dumas, C., & Zanzi, A. (2011). Emerging Trends in Global Ethics: A Comparative Study of U.S. and International Family Business Values. Journal Of Business Ethics, 9929-38. doi:10.1007/s10551-011-1164-7

Films Media Group. (2000). Business ethics: A 21st-century perspective [H.264]

Michaelson, C. (2010). Revisiting the Global Business Ethics Question. Business Ethics Quarterly, 20(2), 237-251.

Gilbert, J. (2012). Ethics for managers: Philosophical foundations and business realities. New York, NY: Routledge.

Kahle, L. R., Boush, D. M., & Phelps, M. (2000). Good Morning, Vietnam: An Ethical Analysis of Nike Activities in Southeast Asia. Sport Marketing Quarterly, 9(1), 43.