Ethical Issues in the Global Arena

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Initial Postings: Read and reflect on the assigned readings for the week. Then post what you thought was the most important concept(s), method(s), term(s), and/or any other thing that you felt was worthy of your understanding in each assigned textbook chapter. Your initial post should be based upon the assigned reading for the week, so the textbook should be a source listed in your reference section and cited within the body of the text. Other sources are not required but feel free to use them if they aid in your discussion.

 

Question 2 Discussion where we have to response or just answer the question.

Also, provide a graduate-level response to each of the following questions:
1. Do you think genetically modified organisms (GMOs) raise a legitimate safety hazard? Should government agencies such as the FDA and USDA take more action to require safety testing? Do you think labeling unfairly stigmatizes GMOs and makes consumers question their safety?
2. As an MNC seeks to balance and honor the ethical standards of both the home and host countries, conflicts inevitably will arise. What criteria do you think managers should consider as they try to decide whether to use home or host country ethical standards? Does the use of hypernorms help? Explain.

Sample Solution

 

 

GMO Safety and Labeling: A Graduate-Level Response

1. GMO Safety and Regulation:

The safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a complex and debated issue. While there is broad scientific consensus that currently approved GMOs pose no greater health risk than conventionally bred crops, some potential safety concerns remain:

  • Unintended effects: The long-term impact of introducing new genes into crops is not fully understood. There’s a possibility of unforeseen consequences on the organism itself or the environment.
  • Allergenicity: Introducing new genes could inadvertently create allergens in the modified organism.
  • Antibiotic resistance markers: Some GMOs use antibiotic resistance genes as selection tools during development. This raises concerns about the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Government Regulation:

  • Current regulations: The FDA and USDA have established safety assessment procedures for GMOs on a case-by-case basis.
  • Need for More Stringent Testing?: While the current system seems adequate for most GMOs, there could be merit in:
    • Long-term studies on potential health and environmental effects.
    • Independent review processes for safety assessments.

GMO Labeling:

  • Consumer Concerns: Labeling can empower consumers to make informed choices. However, it can also be misleading if not based on sound scientific evidence.
  • Unfair Stigma?: Singling out GMOs for labeling, while conventional breeding techniques can also introduce genetic modifications, might create an unnecessary stigma.
  • Transparency and Education: A focus on transparency and consumer education about GMOs and the safety assessment process could be more helpful than simply labeling.
  1. Balancing Ethical Standards in MNCs:

Multinational corporations (MNCs) operating across borders face ethical dilemmas when balancing the standards of their home and host countries. Here are some criteria for managers to consider:

  • Universal Ethical Principles: Focus on core ethical principles like human rights, environmental protection, and fair labor practices that are widely accepted across cultures. These principles, also known as hypernorms, can provide a foundation for decision-making.
  • Severity of Harm: Consider the potential consequences of adhering to one set of standards over another. The greater the potential harm, the stronger the case for upholding the higher standard.
  • Legality: MNCs must comply with the laws and regulations of the host country. However, if those laws violate fundamental ethical principles, the company may need to find alternative solutions or consider exiting the market.
  • Stakeholder Impact: Evaluate the impact of the decision on all stakeholders, including employees, consumers, and communities in both the home and host countries.
  • Transparency and Communication: Open communication with stakeholders about ethical considerations and decision-making processes can build trust and legitimacy.

Hypernorms:

The use of hypernorms can be helpful for MNCs by:

  • Providing a common ethical framework: Hypernorms offer a shared foundation for ethical decision-making across different cultures.
  • Promoting ethical convergence: By adhering to hypernorms, MNCs can encourage host countries to adopt higher ethical standards.
  • Mitigating reputational risk: Demonstrating a commitment to universal ethical principles can enhance an MNC’s reputation globally.

However, applying hypernorms can also be challenging:

  • Cultural relativism: Some argue that ethical standards are culturally specific, and imposing hypernorms can be disrespectful.
  • Lack of enforcement: Hypernorms are not legally binding, and enforcement mechanisms are weak.

In conclusion, navigating ethical dilemmas in a globalized world requires careful consideration of multiple factors. MNCs can leverage hypernorms as a guiding principle while also adapting their approach to the specific context of each host country.

 

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