Is our reasoning sound, we justify the use of sweatshops in Asia, bribes to obtain contracts and tolerance of social and environmental degradation is based on the fact that everyone else is doing it, and if we do not, a competitor? Doing business across borders is a minefield of ethical dilemmas that many managers are ill-equipped to deal with. This article addresses three major myths surrounding the cross-cultural management: an appeal to the local etiquette of moral considerations, the idea that tolerance is based on relativism and subjectivism will address cross-cultural dilemmas, and the belief that profits justify questionable means. By weighing and analyzing the arguments from the ethical point of view, using logic and reasoning, the author shows how decisions made, even with the best intentions can lead to unethical behavior. She points to some common values and timeless concept of the common good as the best foundation for building an ethical framework. The article includes some of the dilemmas for readers to consider for themselves, all aimed at helping international managers to formulate sound approaches to deal with suspicious behavior they encounter in different cultures. "Hide
by Sophia Kusyk Source: IESE-Insight Magazine 7 pages. Publication Date: June 15, 2010. Prod. #: IIR027-PDF-ENG
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