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International business ethics

Ben Tran (Marshall Goldsmith School of Management, Alliant International University, San Francisco, California, USA)

Journal of International Trade Law and Policy

ISSN: 1477-0024

Article publication date: 14 September 2010

12818

Abstract

Purpose

While international corporate unethical behaviors seem to permeate uncontrollably, it is nevertheless, not an incurable dilemma. The paper aims to address the key steps in achieving such governance: chief ethics officer, tone‐at‐the‐top, and whistle‐blower hotlines. With that said, this paper will also address the value of unethical behavior, both from a macro and a micro perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an archival literature review to date on international corporate governance, and its challenges to achieve international corporate ethics compliance governance are analysed.

Findings

One of the greatest challenges for international corporations is establishing a setup that involves more than the board of directors and senior management, but every employee within the corporation. A key compliance challenge is creating an international corporate culture that tolerates and encourages employees to come forward and report improper conduct.

Originality/value

International corporate unethical behaviors are not myths, should not remain taboo, and should be addressed immediately, for it is not an incurable dilemma. Those who do not learn from one's corporate unethical behaviors are deemed to repeat it. Those who do not learn from others' corporate unethical behaviors are deemed to commit it. Reputation takes time to establish but takes less time to ruin.

Keywords

Citation

Tran, B. (2010), "International business ethics", Journal of International Trade Law and Policy, Vol. 9 No. 3, pp. 236-255. https://doi.org/10.1108/14770021011075491

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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