Ethics And Cultural Influence Of Business Ethics In Business

Business ethics can be defined as ethical or unethical behaviors by employees in the context of their jobs (Ebert, R., & Griffin, R. 2011). Business ethics explains why people make the decisions that they do concerning their job. An individual’s opinion on what is ethical or unethical behavior usually differs depending on their beliefs or social norms, otherwise known as culture. Culture, which is just the beliefs and behaviors of a particular group, is extremely important to business ethics (Storti, C. 2011). Culture helps define different business ethics not only internationally but in any organization. I chose this topic because I am fascinated by Sociology, and enjoy delving into the reason why people do the things they do. Business ethics

In business usually people make decisions based on what they believe is moral. For example, some people might believe it is ethical to commit fraudulent accounting information to benefit a company, but most people would disagree. Interpretations of what is moral depends on one’s culture, making it that what is ethical to one group will not be considered so by someone living in a different culture. This can make drawing the line between what is ethical and unethical in business difficult. Business etiquette, standards, and practices differ between different firms and even countries. One approach to the same situation may significantly differ from another company, and especially in other countries depending on the top managements culture. Approaches to draw this line have been made to further the success and development of

Western culture norms concerning business differ from other countries. Organizations that work internationally must be trained and aware of these differences in business ethics. Without proper awareness or training, the company can damage ties internationally. For example, China and the U.S. differ drastically in business practices. The cause of this is because of their differing cultures. In order for their business to work efficiently both Chinese and American workers must find the right balance between the two cultures. For instance, Chinese cultures suggest harmony in everything including business. Sudden change is seen as dangerous to them whereas Americans are use to the hustle and bustle of everyday business techniques. Another differences in business ethics between China and the U.S. include: relationships, touch, subtleness and many more differences. Americans believe their friendships are bounded by legal contracts in business thus making them superficial while the Chinese view business relationships as a life-long commitment. While the Chinese refrain from touching or physical contact, Americans use handshakes or eye contact to show appreciation or fondness. This could be seen as uncomfortable or insulting to the Chinese business cultures (Pitta, D., Fung, H., & Isberg, S. (999). Western culture and Chinese culture differ dramatically along with other cultures that do