Ethics in an International Context

Abstract

International business adds another level of complexity in decision-making, since aspects from home and host countries need to be encountered. As in today’s globalized world of supply chains and value streams cutting across borders, the ethical aspects need to be encountered likewise. This chapter addresses fundamental ethical standards in international business and illustrates the different societal perspectives. The “Tragedy of the Commons” will be demonstrated in particular in an international context where responsibility is rarely taken on a broader level (rainforest grubbing, overfishing) and a systematic responsibility is ignored, leading to global effects as could have been seen with SARS-CoV-2 and the following COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Ethical dilemma will be explained, and its driving factors will be analyzed. As a guide to ethical conduct, an ethical compass is suggested that provides clear guardrails to manage in an international context. An example will be demonstrated of how AI can support ethical decision-making.