Eth/316 Ethical Perspectives Paper
Ethical Perspectives
Joseph Weah
ETH/316
June 4, 14
Ms. Ashanti South
In this paper the writer will discuss cross-cultural perspectives and how this affects a global organization. The chosen global organization will be Nike Inc. Nike is a global retailer of clothing, footwear, sportswear and accessories. The company was founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight in 1964 and has a current stock price of $76.18 as of June 4, 2014. Nike’s headquarters is located in Beaverton, OR but manufacturing of its products takes place all over the world. In the retail apparel market Nike is considered to be a retail giant. As with any business that conducts business globally, Nike must deal with the issue of ethics and ethical perspectives across …show more content…
Hence why Nike has developed a code of conduct for their contractors to adhere to. Even still, this code must be enforced with regard for what is considered legal or illegal in each country. For example, in Nike’s code of ethics the section titled Matter of Respect states that employees should refrain from acting in a manner that would be considered unlawful harassment or discrimination. It also states that employees must treat others as they would like to be treated and respect the diverse workforce that Nike enjoys. Nike’s code of ethics refers their contractors to the code of conduct, which addresses issues with different wording and in a different manner. One of the reasons there is a separate code of conduct is because ethical perspectives can vary from one culture to …show more content…
Likewise, what is considered ethical by American standards may be considered unethical in another culture and vice versa. In America it may not be viewed as disrespectful if one does not shake a coworker or superiors hand at every greeting but in some cultures this action may be viewed as not showing respect for that coworker or superior. Things such as discrimination and harassment have to be considered according to the culture of the people that reside in that particular geographic location. What may be considered harassment by one culture’s standards may be the norm in other societies. Women, for example, are viewed as property and therefore owned by their husbands in some cultures. These women are not allowed to show their face or even speak to another male without their husbands consent. A simple act such as saying hello could be viewed as disrespectful and warrant severe consequences in this type of culture. While taking a 2-hour lunch period without gaining prior approval from one’s superior would be considered unethical by American standards this is considered customary in some other cultures. Things such as labor laws differ from one culture to another. American labor laws do not allow for children under a certain age to hold a job and even
Joseph Weah
ETH/316
June 4, 14
Ms. Ashanti South
In this paper the writer will discuss cross-cultural perspectives and how this affects a global organization. The chosen global organization will be Nike Inc. Nike is a global retailer of clothing, footwear, sportswear and accessories. The company was founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight in 1964 and has a current stock price of $76.18 as of June 4, 2014. Nike’s headquarters is located in Beaverton, OR but manufacturing of its products takes place all over the world. In the retail apparel market Nike is considered to be a retail giant. As with any business that conducts business globally, Nike must deal with the issue of ethics and ethical perspectives across …show more content…
Hence why Nike has developed a code of conduct for their contractors to adhere to. Even still, this code must be enforced with regard for what is considered legal or illegal in each country. For example, in Nike’s code of ethics the section titled Matter of Respect states that employees should refrain from acting in a manner that would be considered unlawful harassment or discrimination. It also states that employees must treat others as they would like to be treated and respect the diverse workforce that Nike enjoys. Nike’s code of ethics refers their contractors to the code of conduct, which addresses issues with different wording and in a different manner. One of the reasons there is a separate code of conduct is because ethical perspectives can vary from one culture to …show more content…
Likewise, what is considered ethical by American standards may be considered unethical in another culture and vice versa. In America it may not be viewed as disrespectful if one does not shake a coworker or superiors hand at every greeting but in some cultures this action may be viewed as not showing respect for that coworker or superior. Things such as discrimination and harassment have to be considered according to the culture of the people that reside in that particular geographic location. What may be considered harassment by one culture’s standards may be the norm in other societies. Women, for example, are viewed as property and therefore owned by their husbands in some cultures. These women are not allowed to show their face or even speak to another male without their husbands consent. A simple act such as saying hello could be viewed as disrespectful and warrant severe consequences in this type of culture. While taking a 2-hour lunch period without gaining prior approval from one’s superior would be considered unethical by American standards this is considered customary in some other cultures. Things such as labor laws differ from one culture to another. American labor laws do not allow for children under a certain age to hold a job and even