Legal Environment Week 1 Assignment

Chapter 2, question 2, page 75

2. Resolve this ethical dilemma posed by Carl Kaufman of Du Pont.

Each person under law has a right to privacy concerning their own medical records. Those people that would not sign a release form are entitled to do so. I would not release any medical records for those individuals unless compelled to do so by court order. This would release me from any liability concerning invasion of privacy with my employees.

Chapter 3, question 9, page 116

9. Should American companies refuse to do business in countries...

a. ...that do not practice democracy?

American companies should not feel compelled to not do business in countries that do not practice democracy. Only if you believe that the country's form of government infringes on its people's humanistic rights, and that by withdrawing your money from their economy will change this, should you defer doing business there. While democracy is the form of government that our country's forefathers chose, it does not mean that it is right or wrong.

b. ...that routinely practices discrimination?

American companies should not do business in countries that practice discrimination. You should first check that the company that you wish to do business with does not practice discrimination. If the company does, you can show that it is not an ethical standard in which you wish to promote, and take your business elsewhere. Anytime you openly communicate the reasons you are taking your business elsewhere, and follow through, you show that business can be done with good ethics.

c. ...that tolerates or even encourages the abuse of children?

The abuse of anybody would be an un-ethical practice, business or otherwise. While abuse may happen in some countries, including our own, it should not be tolerated by anyone. Unless you feel that your business would be promoting un-ethical standards, you can work in that country. Again, you should check that the company is not abusing anyone, including children.