Universalism - Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship & Small Businesses | Entrepreneurship & Small Businesses - B Com PDF Download

Determining the most ethical choices can be extremely difficult. Numerous formally identified approaches to decision-making are available. A universal approach to ethics is based on the concept of moral absolutism: the idea that if something isn't right in one place or for one person, it is not right for anyone, anywhere. The universal approach is typically used in cross-cultural situations, but it may also be used in any situation where one party operates outside of culturally accepted norms.

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The universal approach simplifies the decision-making process. The ethical choice has essentially been predetermined, so lengthy reflection and debate may not be necessary. Moreover, national laws and global regulations may make certain choices compulsory, or at least highly preferred. Oversight becomes far easier when the "right" and "wrong" choices are clearly denoted. Thus, the universal approach can help to ensure equal standards for all employees, business associates and others affected by a business's activities.

Criticism

Critics have called the universal approach "ethical imperialism," as John Schermerhorn discusses in "Exploring Management." This particularly poses a problem in cross-cultural business interactions. A business person may not wish to be perceived in the international community — or at home — as having a rigid ethical stance. Such an approach could make her seem discriminatory toward those with other beliefs.

Examples

A CEO deciding whether to partner with an overseas firm that refrains from promoting women to higher positions must decide whether the partnership would be an ethical choice for him. A company operating in a country with lax pollution standards must decide what precautions to take in order to avoid harm to local communities and ecosystems. A manager might consider whether an employee with an introverted personality — when compared with people of his own culture or another — is being uncooperative or simply doesn't prefer to engage in lengthy debate.

Alternatives

The cultural relativism approach provides an alternative to the universal approach. Cultural relativism holds that what is ethical varies depending on local norms and values. It has great respect for the validity of different cultures and viewpoints. However, business people who subscribe to cultural relativism may still identify broad ethical standards that tend to apply across boundaries, such as workers' rights regarding safety and fair pay. In other words, cultural relativism need not be used as an excuse to accept cultural norms of poor working conditions, lack of educational opportunities or lax environmental regulations. The Integrated Social Contracts Theory follows this logic, offering a creative approach based on shared ethics and respect for local norms.