Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of an ethics issue related to cross-cultural contradictions?

1. Offering unpaid internships

2. Legally marketing a pesticide abroad banned in the U.S.

3. Distributing profits equally among employees

4. Paying higher wages to local workers

The correct answer is: Legally marketing a pesticide abroad banned in the U.S.

The example of legally marketing a pesticide abroad that is banned in the U.S. highlights a significant ethics issue related to cross-cultural contradictions. This situation presents a dilemma where a company faces differing legal and ethical standards between countries. In one culture, it may be considered acceptable and even legal to market certain products that might be harmful, while in another, it is deemed unethical and, therefore, prohibited. This raises important questions about corporate responsibility and the moral implications of exploiting legal loopholes in foreign countries. Ethical standards often vary significantly across cultures; what is permissible in one region may not align with the ethical expectations in another. This case illustrates the complexities that companies encounter when operating globally and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over ethical considerations. In contrast, choices like offering unpaid internships, distributing profits equally among employees, and paying higher wages to local workers may raise concerns regarding fairness or labor practices, but they do not encapsulate the cross-cultural ethical dilemmas evident in the scenario presented in the correct answer. These issues relate more to domestic labor rights and organizational policies rather than the conflicting ethical standards seen in international business practices.