As the Number of Multinational Corporations Increases, We Are Experiencing

question 35

Multiple Choice

As the number of multinational corporations increases, we are experiencing international ethical dilemmas. One very real concern during the past decade is the human rights abuses in sweatshops where several multinationals contract manufacture their products, in exchange for cheap labor. Several retailers have banned together to set ethical standards in foreign factories. Which of the following statements summarizes the challenges of companies doing business in developing countries and the concerns of their customers?

• A) Multinationals must subjectively determine the local "living wage," which is usually more than the local legal wage in developing countries. Customers surveyed say they are willing to pay a few dollars more to improve working conditions in sweatshops.
• B) Economically sensitive customers want companies to pass along cost savings to them, at all costs, even if the products are made through offshore outsourcing. Companies want to please customers, first!
• C) Most multinational corporations have made no attempt to improve working standards at sweatshop factories. They will turn a blind eye to the problem unless U.S. law is passed to force the issue. Customers understand that legal limits come before ethical standards.
• D) Multinationals cannot be expected to demand socially responsible behavior from their supplier, including foreign sweatshops. When doing business abroad, the U.S. company need not comply with U.S. law when its supplier(s) is not in the U.S. or on U.S. territory.

Understand the criteria that define a trustworthy expert.

Comprehend the importance of fact-checking information from online sources and its relevance in strong critical thinking.

Recognize the necessary steps a critical thinker must take when encountering claims without basis or reasons.

Identify how strong critical thinkers treat claims standing alone and the relevance of context in evaluating such claims.

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Definitions:

Morality

A code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by all rational persons.

Virtue Ethicist

A philosopher or ethicist who emphasizes virtues, or moral character, as the basis for ethical behavior.

Principles of Duty

Fundamental ethical rules or guidelines that dictate what individuals ought to do, often based on moral obligations.

Ethical Philosophy

A branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior.