David Ferrabee has a nice post on the way globalisation is affecting every business, not just those with branches out in "foreign places." He asks some important questions about the ethical basis of our interactions with other countries, for us all to consider:
- Do our buying policies help serve countries that need the trade?
- How can we support sustainable development (like drought resistant crops) is developing parts of the world?
- Do we have any way of influencing fertility rates in countries where children are still being born at a rate of 5/6 per woman?
- How can we help keep children in school...? Children who could be contributing more effectively to the economy is a matter of years...
- What kind of investment brings people and communities along with us, rather than sitting in opposition?
I'd emphasise that these questions apply all the more strongly to those businesses who are already, or are in the planning stages of doing business abroad. If you do (or are going to do) business in far off places you should be looking at every avenue to develop engagement and understanding of the culture there.
Think carefully about acting on some of David's questions and you will not only improve your understanding of the local market and employees, but you can improve your CSR ratings and get some goodwill, good PR both at home and abroad.
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