A global company, by definition, will have workers in different countries. It is to be expected that there will be differences-different countries have different laws regulating how many hours workers can work, minimum required age for employment, and wages. A challenge that frequently comes up for managers in a global company is how to navigate the ethical questions that arise.
Case Example: You are the CEO of WeGlobal, Inc., a large company interested in expanding globally. One country you consider expanding into routinely employs children as young as 6 years old and often pays workers a salary of $1 a day.
In that country, this is not illegal because there are no child labor laws and $1 a day is the average rate of pay for local workers in your industry.
Additionally, by expanding, you know you can keep prices low for consumers and make a large profit for your company. Should you expand into this country? Choose a position, and discuss the following:
FOR argument: Would you be for expanding into this country? Why? How is expanding into this country an ethical decision?
AGAINST argument: Would you be against expanding into this country? Why? How is refraining from expanding into this country a wise business decision?