International business ethics constitute a global code of conduct - a set of principles that establishes ethical standards for employees and businesses. Though every business has an ethics code, engaging in international business may introduce gray areas where expectations for employee conduct are unclear.

To learn more, check out the infographic below created by Washington State University’s Online Master of Business Administration program.

International Business Ethics: Changes and Challenges

The rise of globalization since World War II has created moral dilemmas for businesses in five specific areas: labor standards, environmental standards, human rights, cultural diversity, and corruption.

The Rise of Globalization

Globalization, deregulation, and technological change supported the rapid expansion of multinational corporations (MNCs), which took advantage of regulatory arbitrage and relocated to low-tax jurisdictions and areas with loose labor and environment regulations. Overseas operations commonly meant the MNCs would operate in regions with subpar regulatory frameworks and lax enforcement mechanisms, creating opportunities for engaging in unethical behavior. Additionally, global value chains were structured in a way that made purchasing, sales, support, and product development more efficient.

The Moral Dilemmas of Globalization

A big moral dilemma concerns labor standards, something that cropped up due to overseas sweatshop outsourcing and concerns over poor overseas working conditions and child labor. Countries with poor environmental regulations may also have such conditions exacerbated by MNCs. Additionally, MNCs may face pressure to stop doing business with countries whose governments violate human rights. Another concern is a lack of respect for cultural diversity, despite international laws requiring respect be given to a country’s culture and customs. Finally, some countries allow bribery in foreign operations, creating another moral stress.

The Three Types of Ethics Codes

To govern their actions, companies may create ethics codes in various forms. In addition, they may choose to follow regulations set forth by industry organizations.

The Various Forms of Ethics Codes

Ethics codes manifest in various forms. There’s compliance certificates, which are documents requiring contractors, agents, or suppliers to agree with to comply with a company’s stated standards. Another form is purchase orders or letters of credit, which are written documents requiring compliance with a company’s policy on the part of the suppliers or other contractors. A third form, special documents, are written codes of conduct summarizing company guidelines, principles, or standards. Finally, companies can produce circulated letters, which are letters addressed to stakeholders stating company policies on a specific issue.

The Three Types of Global Corporate Codes of Conduct

The first type of global corporate code of conduct is the corporate-based code of conduct, which typically feature ethics training, whistle-blowing channels, and ethics reviews along with codes of conduct. These function by guiding corporate actions and helping the company differentiate itself from the competition. An example of this in action is Mattel, who allows a third party to post independent reviews of its practices on a public website.

A second type, industry-based corporate codes, includes codes of conduct, ethics programs, ethics offers, and ethics training. This type functions as a regulatory group that may offer independent monitoring and verification to ensure industry-wide compliance. An example of this is the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct, created by the U.S. defense industry to promote common interests through self-regulation.

The third type is global codes of international organizations, which typically include guidelines for multinational organizations like faith-based groups and nongovernmental organizations. The functionality varies depending on the issuing organization and if the code is created on a singular, industry, or global basis.

How and Why Leaders Should Model Ethical Behavior

Employees look to their leaders to model ethical behavior and provide guidance in areas of uncertainty. To serve that need, leaders must understand their responsibilities and have impeccable character.

The Seven Habits and Characteristics of Ethical Leaders

It’s important for an ethical leader to have a strong personal character, as a leader’s failure to earn their employees’ respect will create the perception that they don’t care about company ethics or ethics requirements. They must also act as role models for an organization’s value and act with transparency. It’s also important for ethical leaders to be proactive to prevent ethical problems. Additionally, ethical leaders must exhibit a passion for acting in the company’s best interest without bending the rules and considering all stakeholders’ interests. Finally, they need to view their firm’s ethical culture holistically.

The Duties of Every Ethical Leader

All ethical leaders must create a review process to identify ethical issues. They must also detect ethical risk areas by analyzing the company’s weakness. Additionally, they must be able to answer stakeholder concerns as soon as an ethical issue is revealed. Fourthly, they must avoid misconduct by ensuring all employees are trained to follow ethics guidelines. Finally, ethical leaders must recover from a misconduct disaster by addressing weaknesses in the company’s ethics program.

There are several potential benefits to deploying ethical leadership. These include building stronger company relationships with external stakeholders, building higher employee satisfaction and employee commitment, and seeing higher firm valuation on the stock market.

The Importance of Doing What’s Right

Though ethical behavior is not necessarily a legal requirement, companies and leaders who adhere to a strong code of ethics will not only enjoy better relationships with local communities but also serve as admirable examples.

Sources

Business Ethics, Part Four Implementing Business Ethics in a Global Community, Chapter 11: Ethical Leadership

InTechOpen, The Moral Dilemmas of Global Business

New York Times, Wal-Mart Hushed Up a Vast Mexican Bribery Case

ResearchGate, Global Codes of Conduct

TradeReady, Ethics and Your International Business - Where to Start