填空题
U. S. firms typically have a code of ethics that provides guidelines for their employees. (9) Consider a U. S. firm that sells suppliers to foreign manufacturers. Both its code of ethics and the U. S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prevent the firm from offering payoffs ("kick- backs") to any employees of the manufacturing companies that order its suppliers. Competitors based in other countries, however, may offer payoffs to employees of the manufacturing companies. (10) Thus, the U. S. supplier is at a disadvantage because its employees are required to follow a stricter code of ethics. This is a common ethical dilemma that U. S. firms face in a global environment. (11)
Another ethical dilemma that U. S. firms may face involves their relationship with certain foreign governments. (12) Officials of some foreign governments commonly accept bribes from firms that need approval for various business activities. For example, a firm may need to have its products approved for safety purposes, or its local manufacturing plant may need to be approved for environmental purposes. (13) Those firms that pay off government officials may receive prompt attention from the local governments. Employees of Lockheed Martin were charged with bribing Egyptian government officials to win a contract to build new aircraft. Executives of IBM's Argentina subsidiary were charged with bribing Argentina subsidiary were charged with bribing Argentine government officials to generate business from the government.
Many U. S. firms attempt to follow a worldwide code of ethics that is consistent across countries. (14) Although a worldwide code of ethics may place a U. S. firm at a disadvantage in some countries, it may also enhance the firm's credibility.
A. Firms that conduct business in foreign countries are subject to numerous rules imposed by the global government
B. American business ethics are based around the idea that it is possible to maximize wealth and profit while also being committed to upholding values and laws
C. However, these guidelines may be much more restrictive than those generally used in some foreign countries
D. The process of approving even minor activities could take months and prevent the firm from conducting business
E. The employees of U. S. firms must either ignore their ethical guidelines or be at a disadvantage in certain foreign countries
F. In some countries, this type of behavior is acceptable
G. This varies from place to place, based on countries' specific cultural or societal beliefs
H. This type of policy reduces the confusion that could result from using different ethical standards in different countries