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Engaging values in international business practice

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  • Williams, Sandra L.

Abstract

Managerial decisions and behaviors in the international business arena have ethical implications across cultures and countries. The need for ethics and core values in business practice has been heightened by continued business scandals and ethical managerial lapses that have violated public trust. Global businesses can offer practical guidance and set ethical examples for others to follow by establishing corporate values beyond written business codes. Four key work values (Honesty, Fairness, Concern of Others, and Achievement) known to be present in businesses across cultures, are put forth as a baseline start for multinational corporation leaders. Offered is a process for making the core values unique to an organization, and for adopting and training managers in the use of core values. Presented is evidence of managerial implementation of the core work values, and managers' alignment of work values with organizational strategies. By addressing the values and principles of their workplaces, international businesses can achieve cross-cultural ethical practices, managerial alignment, and global social responsibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Williams, Sandra L., 2011. "Engaging values in international business practice," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 54(4), pages 315-324, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:54:y:2011:i:4:p:315-324
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nuria Calvo & Flora Calvo, 2018. "Corporate social responsibility and multiple agency theory: A case study of internal stakeholder engagement," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(6), pages 1223-1230, November.

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