It was interesting to learn how corruption is different around the world. When it started to talk about how profits can be seen as corrupt in formerly communist countries it really shocked me. The US is always trying to improve and grow profits, so it was very different to learn about that. I remember learning in previous classes how taking a customer out to dinner could be seen as a bribe, but that’s all we really talked about. I had no idea that in some countries it was almost necessary to give bribes, and how controversy that could be to other countries with better ethics. There are a lot more areas then I would have thought when it comes to business ethics, I figured it was do “good” and follow the law. However, there are a lot of things that can help the environment, customers, employees, political and human rights. I think learning about other countries and their business ethics is something you should really understand before getting into business with them. This is something that is a bigger deal than I ever would have thought.
Skyler Smith says
I was also extremely surprised to learn that profits can be seen as corrupt in some cultures! As you mentioned, increasing profits is the goal of almost every business here in the United States. Learning about corruption made me realize how difficult international business can truly be, given that every country has their own expectations and definition of what is considered corrupt. I agree, business ethics are definitely something you must really understand before doing business with a foreign country!
Chase Moceri says
Rachel,
I think it is pretty crazy to learn about all these other countries. Bribery and corruption is all over. Not as much in the U.S. but i always think that maybe the corruption is in our media. Media uses their own words when informing the public. I read a study released about Covid explaining that this current pandemic actually has less deaths than the flu back in 2018. This was posted by Washington times. This type of propaganda is corrupt in my eyes. Then again there are countries like Kenya where the ruler is very corrupt and takes bribes to help himself succeed over his citizens. Fun fact is the Kenyan president sent bottle of Cognac as “covid prevention”. This was an act to make himself seem intelligent for his people.