Ethics: When in Rome, do as the Romans do?
KC Ang read the following excerpt of a new report on the challenges of doing business across different jurisdictions:
"Business ethics and corporate responsibility relate to all activities of a company. Having a high standard of ethical and responsible business conduct - and demonstrating that such a standard is being met - is rapidly becoming a requirement of companies which operate globally.
"The challenge, however, is the relevant and applicable conduct. Take for instance, the issue of gift giving and bribery in business. Cultural context has a distinct bearing on what might be regarded as acceptable ethical behavior.
"In fact the question is not whether bribery is right or wrong, but whether doing business in certain countries is even possible without such practices. There are different ways of doing business."
KC Ang comes to you for advice. How would you advise him on the issues that pertain to international business and corruption?