What Should a Firm Do When an Accepted Practice in a Foreign Country Is Illegal in Its Own Country? Essay Example

It is contradictory when a firm’s activities and operations deemed illegal in its home country become legal in a foreign country. A country is put in anxious situation when faced with the challenges of having to conduct business in a country where business practice laws contradict with those of the home country. Generally, laws relating to business practice appear similar in all countries since they are guided by the code of ethics and conduct in the various professions (Higgs, 2009). In the world of business, firms need to execute operations concerning the local laws. Even if, the activities are illegal in its country, as long as the local laws permit the same, it should go ahead and run its business. However, the organization should not engage in activities that go against its ethical standards.

It is essential to put in mind that corruption is rampant in various government departments. Henceforth, it is expected that local government leaders will accept bribes in the form of cash, donations and grants to allow such firms and companies practice in their localities. When faced with such a dilemma, a firm should not execute operations according to the firm’s code of ethics (Hauplman, 2010). The corruption can extend to include determination of who to work in the firm (Schaffer et al. 1999). The best for the firm to do is to run the business as long as it complies with the laws of the local government and respects the rights of employees.

Countries may differ in the legislation of laws; hence, a company should execute only those operations that are not against the organization’s ethical standards. Whether the operations the firm is undertaking are illegal in its country or not, the safety of the workers comes first. The firm needs to ensure that workers are safe. It is possible to have a company run legal activities, but violate the rights of the workers. The firm should implement its safety policies and adhere to the local requirements (Miller & Cross 1999). Despite the fact that the practice is illegal in the home country, it is good for the firm to ensure it sticks to the environmental policies of the foreign country. This will help display its corporate responsibility and ethical level.

In addition, the firm should execute operations in accordance to the local laws despite termed as illegal in their home country. International co-corporations such as the International Chamber of Commerce provide rules and guidelines of conducting business among member states. Firms can adopt such rules as a blueprint for directing their activities. These firms should also comply with the News Corporation Global Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy. This policy provides a subway on to what is termed as legal and illegal business. Firms should ensure that they comply with this policy since it defines the appropriate business action aimed at reducing corruption, which leads to the operation of illegal businesses in any state (Robert, 1998).

References

Business guide to the world trading system (2nd Ed.). (1999). Geneva: International Trade Centre.

Hauplman, D. (2010, April 18). Challenges in Project Management. Journal of Project Management, 6(27), 5-8.

Higgs, D. (2009, December 16). Ethics in Management. Jornal of Enterpreneurs, 14(32), 8-12.

Miller, R. L., & Cross, F. B. (1999). The legal environment today: business in its ethical, regulatory, and international setting (2nd Ed.). Cincinnati, Ohio: West Educational Pub. Co.

Robert, G. (1998). Project Mangement (Vol. 4). New York: Morroww Printing Press.

Schaffer, R., Earle, B., & Agusti, F. (1999). International business law and its environment (4th Ed.). Cincinnati, Ohio: West Educational Pub. Co.