Globalisation and Business Ethics

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    GLOBALISATION AND

    BUSINESS ETHICS

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    SUBJECT: BUSINESS ETHICS AND CORPORATE SOCIAL

    RESPONSIBILITY

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    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    It gives us immense pleasure in acknowledging the valuable and co-operative assistance

    extended to us by the various individuals who have helped us successfully in completing our

    project.

    First of all we would like to thank the Mumbai University for giving us this opportunity to

    study the subject of Business Ethics.

    We would also like to thank our guide ___________ for her guidance throughout the project.

    We extend our sincere gratitude to the college to librarian valuable support in our project

    Work we would like to thank our parents and colleagues who have during the making of the

    project.

    It is the encouragement of all these people that made us proceed towards achieving our goals.

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    Table of Contents

    1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 7

    1.1 Business Ethics ................................................................................................................ 8

    1.2 An Overview: Globalization and Business Ethics ........................................................... 8

    2. Indian Ethos in Management ............................................................................................... 10

    2.1 Global imperatives and indigenous ethical values in India ........................................... 10

    2.2 A Macro Glance ............................................................................................................. 11

    2.3 The Semantics of Business Ethics ................................................................................. 12

    2.4 The Basis for Will to Ethics in Business ....................................................................... 12

    2.5 Will to ethics in the practical business world ................................................................ 13

    3. Concept of Culture & Types of Corporate Culture .............................................................. 15

    3.1 Components of Culture .................................................................................................. 15

    3.2 Cultural differences and Global Business ...................................................................... 16

    3.3 Differences in Concepts ................................................................................................. 19

    3.4 Ethics in the East and West ............................................................................................ 20

    4. GlobalisationA Controversy ............................................................................................ 21

    4.1 Relevance of Globalisation ............................................................................................ 21

    4.2 Cultural Issues ................................................................................................................ 21

    4.3 Legal Issues .................................................................................................................... 23

    4.4 Financial Accountability Issues ..................................................................................... 24

    4.5 Environmental Issues ..................................................................................................... 24

    4.6 Changes in Marketing Functions ................................................................................... 25

    4.7 Technological Changes .................................................................................................. 26

    4.8 Role of Government ....................................................................................................... 27

    4.9 Global Regulators and Standards ................................................................................... 27

    5. Case Study I: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy .............................................................................. 31

    5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 31

    5.2 A Deadly Timeline of Events ........................................................................................ 34

    5.3 Problems Contributing to the Tragedy ........................................................................... 35

    5.4 Solutions Implemented over the Years .......................................................................... 37

    6. Case Study II: TATA Stirs Controversy in Tanzania .......................................................... 40

    6.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 40

    6.2 Community Initiatives ................................................................................................... 43

    6.2.1. The Adult Literacy Project ..................................................................................... 43

    6.2.2. Skills-development Programmes ........................................................................... 44

    7. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 45

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    8. Bibliography ........................................................................................................................ 46

    AnnexureI: Economic Times Bhopal Gas Tragedy ......................................................... 48

    AnnexureII The Times of India Will The Guys Stop Playing At Work ........................ 49

    AnnexureIII Economic Times: Companies Take On Role Of Counselors ...................... 50

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    1. Introduction

    Globalization and business ethics is becoming an important issue and is slowly making its

    way into the media and policy maker's minds. After all, globalization is a development,

    which increases the internationalization of production and manufacturing, governing and

    financing processes. While international economic relations are nothing new, the global

    integration of production, governing and financing processes within the structures of

    multinational, globally operating corporations certainly is. A final question is how

    philosophical ethics can contribute to the processes described here. Can ethics set limits to

    global business; indeed, is this the task it has to fulfill? Before we can really discuss global

    ethics we should take just a moment to define what ethics really is.

    Ethics may be referred to as some standardized form of conduct/behaviour of individuals

    understood and accepted in a particular field of activity. Ethics is a mass of moral principles

    or sets of values about what conduct ought to be. They give an idea what is right or wrong,

    true or false, fair or unfair, just or unjust, proper or improper, e.g. honesty, obedience,

    equality, fairness, etc. and respect and then doing the right thing.

    Ethics is a fundamental, personal trait, which one adopts and follows as a guiding principle in

    ones life. Those placed in positions of trust and recognized for their knowledge and

    expertise like managers, shall perform their duty with integrity, I independence, sincerity and

    honesty. That is the basic norm of professional ethics. A professional cannot justify his

    failure, negligence of compromise, with excuses and explanations. Every rational human

    being practices ethics for his own and others welfare and safety.

    Ethical issues occur frequently in management and extend far beyond the commonly

    discussed problems of bribery, collusion and theft, reaching into areas such as corporate

    acquisitions, marketing policies and capital investments. For example, after the merger of

    two firms, ethical question arises whether to demote or fire the employees those who have

    been serving honestly for so many years.

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    1.1 Business Ethics

    Business ethics are rules of business conduct, by which the propriety of business activities

    may be judged. Ethical principles are dictated by the society and underlie broad social

    policies. These principles when known, understood and accepted, determine generally the

    propriety or impropriety of business activities. Business ethics also relates to the behaviour

    of the manager. It can be defined as an attempt to ascertain the responsibilities and ethical

    obligations of business professionals. Here the focus is in people, how individuals should

    conduct themselves in fulfilling the ethical requirements of business.

    According to Carter McNamara, Business ethics is generally coming to know what is right

    or wrong in the work place and doing what is right this is in regard to effects of

    products/services and in relationships with stakeholders. Attention to ethics in the work place

    sensitizes managers and staff to how they should act so that they retain a strong moral

    compass. Consequently, business ethics can be strong preventive medicine.

    1.2 An Overview: Globalization and Business Ethics

    Under globalization, products are not manufactured any more in one country and then

    exported, rather, products are designed and produced in production sites in various locations

    around the world and financed by global investors and holding companies. A prerequisite of

    globalised production is the globalization and liberalization of financial markets, which

    enables or dramatically facilitates direct investment in foreign countries, like India. A flood

    of mergers in the year 2000 is a good indicator for the globalization of financial investment as

    well as for the global integrations of structures of production.

    Globally acting corporations often promote Western ideals and images of consumption in

    marketing and distribution, and they are supported in this role by the globally dominating

    position of Western mass media. Globalization of markets and production, greatly diminish

    the efficiency of national politics, in particular, national economic and labour market policy,

    as these markets are not nationally organized anymore and can only to a limited extent be

    controlled through national legislation and politics.

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    Globalization must now be regarded as a fact. But for business ethics, this fact poses a severe

    problem: a legal framework that would be able to govern the interactions within the global

    society in both an efficient and ethical way is only beginning to be developed.

    It would be nearly impossible for a business do deal with another business without some level

    of ethical behavior. Cheating, lying, and squeezing the other company or country is likely to

    cause great anxiety between the two parties. They may decide not to work with each other at

    all.

    As the global economy expands people will begin to deal more often with other from

    different cultures, values, religions, and beliefs. In the business world this can be very

    frustrating if we don't have enough knowledge about the other culture; even worse if we

    refuse to learn anything about our business partners. Several global companies have set up

    various councils in their organizations to be ethically responsible to employees.1

    1See Annexure - II

    Competition Business

    Ethics

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    2. Indian Ethos in Management

    In order to understand how globalization and global values affects business ethics, or how the

    two are related, we need to first understand what the Indian ethos is in business. Hence,

    comparisons can be easily made in relation to India and the world.

    2.1 Global imperatives and indigenous ethical values in India

    The key question of ethical centrality for todays managers and leaders in India from

    divergent perspectives is the global imperatives and indigenous values in India. Domination

    of global economic logic as the central theme gives rise to organizational prioritization away

    from ethical core and it inevitably leads to serious consequences for people, institutions and

    society. In addition, the idea that managers have responsibilities extending beyond this

    Globalisation& Indian Ethos

    inManagement

    Globalimperatives

    and indigenousethical values

    in India

    A Macro Glance

    The Basis forWill to Ethicsin Business

    The Semanticsof Business

    Ethics

    Will to ethics in

    the practicalbusiness world

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    economic logic needs to be a central theme of organizational sustainability. The societal level

    ethics and social responsibilities are not easily distinguished in countries like India. The

    internal politics, procedures and administrative behavior often reflect the values of the

    managerial elite. Indian organizations have received wide spread negative rankings in various

    global, regional, national surveys on corporate integrity and managerial probity in recent

    decades. This part highlights the ethical gap common in Indian organizations.

    The need for ethical analysis along economic, technical, financial and other decision

    parameters are very important managerial priority. One of the most prominent scholars in

    managerial ethics in India, S.K.Chakraborty, views the broad scene from a kaleidoscope of

    long tradition of Indian heritage. One of the key themes is the distinction between intellectual

    ethics and consciousness ethics. He extends the meaning and content of the number of related

    issues a range of practical ethical challenges. Increasing the global linkages and

    professionalization of managerial cadre is creating a new imperative of ethical imagination

    and deepening of managerial roots. While has been extensive theoretical and practical debate

    and discussion on role of corporate governance in East Indian societies, powerful indigenous

    doctrines of Indian tradition have not been significantly featured in the literature on business

    ethics. Given the reality and perception of the managerial ethics in India ,a great deal of

    progress is urgently needed in this area .linking the modern corporate context to traditional

    Indian values and ethical roots is a blue print that needs further attention.

    2.2 A Macro Glance

    A few initial, general points are worthwhile. Systematic empirical investigation in the field

    has yet to start in India. In fact, until the year 1992, ethics in business was hardly a topic of

    concerted engagement at any level except in two or three business schools in the country. It

    was the only 2 billion dollar stock exchange fiasco in 1992 which threw up the ethics issue at

    the macro level. Since then, investigate journalism has been playing a key role in highlighting

    corrupt and fraudulent practices within the business politics criminals (BPC) triangle.

    Presently the citizens are hopefully looking up to the assertive judiciary as the ultimate resort

    in these ethically troubled times. The competitive fray among global corporations to enter the

    Indian economy, and the eager overtures of Indian business to grow fast through

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    collaborations with them, have begun to manifest fresh varieties of business non-ethics .the

    possibility of a two way traffic is not imaginary: business veering towards criminals and

    criminals veering towards business.

    2.3 The Semantics of Business Ethics

    The phrase black market ruled into circulation during the second world war and has

    remained since that time it denotes the process of clandestine cells of scarce ,rationed

    ,controlled commodities at inflated prices .since 1992 the two words scam and scandal

    have become very common .they cover corrupt financial /economic practice of vast

    magnitude affecting large section of the public .the B-P-C triangle has being prominently

    involved in these episodes .business enterprises themselves ,with some highly honorable

    exception ,often consider such practices to be part of the normal business process.

    Whatever recent efforts the business community has been making seem all to be directed

    towards offering better deal to domestic consumers in respect of consumables and consumer

    durables. Consciousness of ethical imperatives in international business remains to be

    separately attended to at least in terms of articulated norms and guidelines.

    2.4 The Basis for Will to Ethics in Business

    A mute minority feels that a true long term challenge for several major Indian business and

    financial sectors is: how far is it ethical to spread greed for goods and mercenaries for money

    in the name of business growth, economic development, and higher living standards? In fact,

    to make the point sharper, it is ethical to pronounce on higher standard of living when it is

    really higher standard of consumption which is being espoused?

    Another general ethical problem relates to social consequences of employment contraction in

    man power intensive basic industries .modern capital intensive technology replacing older

    technologies is a process not without severe social psychological fallout in a highly

    populated country like India. The ethical issue is: global economical competitiveness or local

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    3. Concept of Culture & Types of Corporate Culture

    Culture, today, is being defined as an intellectual or moral discipline and training, a state of

    intellectual and artistic development or a historically transmitted pattern of meanings. Culture

    has also been described as a set of rules, values and beliefs good or badwhich community

    adopts as its norms.

    3.1 Components of Culture

    Communication: Some cultures are polite and gracious, others are demanding.

    Language: Language can become confusion or convey clear meaning.

    Dress and Appearance: Dress and appearance identify culture. Arabs wear a

    particular type of dress. Indian women wear saris.

    Food Habits: Food habits typify a culture, for example, Pizza is cherished in Italy,

    Dosa in India.

    Time: Time consciousness forms punctuality of Japanese or Americans contrary to the

    flexible attitude towards time of Arabs and Indians.

    Rewards and Recognition: Rewards and recognition differ from country to country,

    for example, giving 15% of fare tip to taxi driver in USA is customary, and in India it

    is optional.

    Values and Norms: Values and norms are different in different countries due to their

    societal or political or religious background. E.g. attitude towards corruption vary in

    Germany and Italy.

    No two cultures are the same. The Western and Indian cultures have very vast differentiation

    between them. While the culture of west is a mixture of different cultures, the Indian culture

    is unique and has its own values.

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    One of the major differences that can be seen between western and Indian culture is in family

    relations. While the Indians are very much family oriented, the people there are individual

    oriented. In Indian culture, the family values are given more prominence than the individual

    values. Indians respect family values. On the other hand, in western culture the individual

    values get prominence than the family values. Indians are more committed to their family

    where as in the west; people are more committed to themselves only.

    In another sense, it can be said that the western culture is more goal oriented and the Indian

    culture is more people or family oriented. Indians may even forsake their individual wishes

    and also happiness for the sake of families. But in western culture, this trend cannot be seen.

    Unlike the Indians, they plan things ahead. They believe in dominating nature and controlling

    the world around them. On the contrary, Indians believe in the harmony with nature.

    Another difference that can be seen between Indian culture and western culture is that the

    Indians love stability where as they love mobility. In western culture, one can see that the

    individuals think of self-reliance and independent. On the other hand, Indians are more

    dependent on others. While the children in the US are brought up to live an independent life,

    the children in India are not brought up in that way.

    In Indian culture, there is respect for the elders and it is they who make decisions. But in

    western culture, each individual makes his own decisions.

    Coming to competition, Indians are more competitive than the Americans. Coming to work

    nature, the Indians work for meeting the family needs. On the contrary, in the west they will

    only strive to rise on their own capacity or getting rich. Another difference that can be seen is

    that westerners have great regard to time and its value.

    3.2 Cultural differences and Global Business

    In this process of globalization of economy, it is natural to envisage initial spurt in trade and

    commerce as far as international interaction is concerned. But sooner than later other cultural

    aspects also come under its purview. They are grouped under the 'cultural exchange

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    programs'. These include globalization of scientific and technological research, involvement

    in games and sports, and exchanges in various aspects of art and literature. Globalisation of

    business can have cultural dilemmas. Whenever foreign entities enter a country or a region it

    faces a lot of different problem. More so cultural differences are also important reasons for

    these problems.

    The culture of the foreign company and the country in which it is operating are different. The

    business standards followed, code of conduct, policies are different. Further more in a

    country like India, societal interests are to be kept in mind while taking any decisions. Here

    an individuals ethics if compared to other countries are more rooted to moral behavior

    towards those who are family and interestingly everybody is considered as family. However,

    if you ask a foreigner everybody is family they wont understand why so. This is because

    Indian culture speaks of considering everybody as family. There are different thought, ideas,

    practices, languages, concepts which a global business needs to adopt or it can push its own

    into the foreign land. The communitys moral outlook should be kept in mind.

    For example, in the film industry previously the actors apparel used be more traditional but

    today western influence has popularized modern dressing style i.e. western style and the

    Indian outfits are almost out and forgotten. So have they adopted the global dressing style or

    has it been pushed onto them?

    This is the downside of globalisation. It can completely change the practices n cultures of

    people. It takes away the unique identity a country or a region has. And thats why they say

    globalisation means making the world one small village where everybody and everything

    becomes uniform.

    Global companies need to follow either the global acceptable standards or those which exist

    in the foreign land that they are operating in. If and Indian company is operating abroad

    suppose in Germany, then they have to follow and use German in speech, documents etc. and

    understand the culture over there. Regulating bodies are setup in the countries that regulate

    the conduct and business of foreign companies in their country.

    Global entities require the thorough study of the environment and the culture so that adopting

    the changes doesnt take a toll over the natives lives, thoughts, beliefs and societal norms. If

    they fail to do this there will be barriers created leading to conflicts and misunderstanding

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    and the whole idea of globalisation for development will be going into pits and be harming to

    the society.

    It is believed that globalization leads to exploitation of not only the weaker nation, but of

    weaker section in a given nation as well. Thus we see both international and intra-national

    resistance to the attempts at globalization. A strong reaction or backlash of 'nationalism'

    therefore, may raise its head in certain pockets of the world. Such voices of protectionism are

    heard mainly in poor and under-developed nations.

    However, even though it may cause initial setbacks, the process of globalization cannot be

    halted. By its very nature it is a progressive (or ongoing) step in the evolution of human

    economic dreams. But at the same time, globalization is also responsible for spread of

    religious ideas and cultural traditions from one place to another. Initially it may appear that

    economically strong nation dominates and entrusts its religious ideas over the weaker nations,

    but in the long run globalization will prove to be beneficial; as powerful and true religious

    ideas find seekers of truth from various places.

    As globalisation advances, business practices become increasingly uniform. Business

    education is same everywhere. Managers from diverse countries approach business in similar

    ways. Unlike business skills which are the same worldwide. Peoples conceptions of ethical

    conduct remains rooted in particular cultures. The importance of cultural differences is not

    confined to the problems of different standards. What is considered right and wrong varies as

    culture varies. Hence the differences in different cultures pose a challenge for global

    business.

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    3.3 Differences in Concepts

    The meanings of these concepts have changed within our own culture over the course of time.

    Hence we cannot assume that our conceptions of rights, for example, are shared by people

    everywhere.

    Different cultures place different emphasis on these concepts

    Cultural differences occasionally result in misunderstandings and accusations of

    misconduct.

    For example, Japanese companies sometimes show favoritism to other Japanese firms,

    mistreating potential foreign business partners. Japanese response is that they are showing

    loyalty to companies in long established relationship whereas foreign firms are criticized

    other way. Whistle blowing is viewed negatively in Japan, where in US it is often considered

    a mark of integrity and moral courage.

    While conducting the business globally, it is essential to understand the ways in which the

    cultural differences are reflected in peoples moral outlook. It is also seen how European and

    Asian Managers appreciate and view ethics as critical for successful interaction with them, as

    a recognition of how America is distinctive.

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    3.4 Ethics in the East and West

    EAST WEST

    Central Role of Long Term Relationships

    High level of trust among all parties,

    maintenance of harmony.

    Self interests are watched and others are

    secondary

    Employee Loyalty

    Employees are very loyal to the firm they

    are appointed so much so that they will

    stick to one company all their lives.

    Employee moves from firm to firm.

    Societal Relationship basis

    Relationships is relative or situational Relationship is absolute and universal

    Moral Decisions

    Moral decisions are made on a case by

    case basis with attention to specifics

    Known rules that is applied equally to all.

    Systems built on relationships

    Reciprocity found; Returning all favors

    received to preserve a balance: conflicts

    handled by mutual accommodation.

    A company takes more than a fair share is

    viewed as disruptive, untrustworthy;

    binding to each other

    Tend to make sincere but overly optimistic

    commitments that they may not be able to

    keep. A source of misunderstanding

    sometimes.

    Opinions and decision taken

    By a group By Themselves

    Errant Managers face

    Low legal actions High legal actions (includes fines,

    imprisonment)

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    4. GlobalisationA Controversy

    4.1 Relevance of Globalisation

    Globalisation as defined in terms of the deterritorialization of economic activities is

    particularly relevant for business ethics. Deterritorialization may mean to take the control and

    order away from a land or place (territory) that is already established. Global

    communications, global products, and global financial systems and capital markets are only

    the most striking examples of deterritorialization in the world economy. There are many other

    areas where globalization in this sense is a significant social, economic, and political process.

    As we shall now see, globalisation also has significant implications for business ethics.

    4.2 Cultural Issues

    As business becomes less fixed territorially, so corporations increasingly engage in overseas

    markets, suddenly finding themselves confronted with new and diverse, sometimes even

    contradicting ethical demands. Moral values, which were taken for granted in the home

    market, may get questioned as soon as corporations enter foreign market. For example,

    LimitedResources

    Wideningof WorldEconomy

    Globalisation

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    attitudes to racial and gender diversity in India may differ significantly to those in Middle

    Eastern countries. Similarly, Chinese people might

    regard it as more unethical to sack employees in times of economic downturns than would be

    typical in Europe. Again, whilst Europeans tend to regard child labour as strictly unethical,

    some Asian countries might have a more moderate approach.

    The reason why there is a potential for such problems is that whilst globalisation results in the

    deterritorialization of some processes and activities, in many cases there is still a close

    connection between the local culture, including moral values, and a certain geographical

    region.

    For example, Europeans largely disapprove of capital punishment, whilst many Americans

    appear to regard it as morally acceptable. This is one of the contradictions of globalisation: on

    the one hand globalization makes regional difference less important since it brings regions

    together and encourages a more uniform global culture. On the other hand, in eroding the

    divisions of geographical distances, globalization reveals economic, political, and cultural

    differences and confronts people with them.

    CulturalIssues

    MoralValues of

    Company

    LocalCulture

    ReginalDifference

    Religion

    Language

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    4.3 Legal Issues

    A second aspect is closely linked to what the relation of ethics and law. The more economic

    transactions lose their connection to a certain regional territory, the more they escape thecontrol of the respective national governments. The power of a government has traditionally

    been confined to a certain territory, for example: French laws are only binding on French

    territory, UK laws on UK territory, and so on. As soon as a company leaves its home territory

    and moves part of its production chain to, for example, a third world country, the legal

    framework becomes very different.

    Consequently, managers can no longer simply rely on the legal framework when deciding onthe right or wrong of certain business practices. If, business ethics largely begins where the

    law ends, then deterritorialization increases the demand for business ethics because

    deterritorialized economic activities are beyond the control of national (territorial)

    governments.

    For example, global financial markets are beyond the control of any national government,

    and the constant struggle of governments against issues such as child pornography on the

    internet shows the enormous difficulties in enforcing national laws in deterritorialized spaces.

    LegalIssues

    Different

    Laws inHome

    country

    DifferentLaws in Host

    country

    Policies ofthe Company

    Practices ofthe

    Government

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    4.4 Financial Accountability Issues

    Taking a closer look at global activities, one can easily identify corporations as the dominant

    actors on the global stage: MNCs own the mass media which influences much of theinformation and entertainment we are exposed to, they supply global products, they pay

    peoples salaries, and they pay (directly or indirectly) much of the taxes that keep

    governments running. Furthermore, one could argue that MNCs are economically as

    powerful as many governments. For example, the GDP of Denmark is about the same as the

    turnover of General Motors.

    However, whereas the Danish government has to be accountable to the Danish people and

    must face elections on a regular basis, the managers of General Motors are formally

    accountable only to the relatively small group of people who own shares in the company. The

    communities in the US, Brazil, or Germany that depend directly on General Motors

    investment decisions however have next to no influence on the company and, unlike a

    regional or national government, General Motors is, at least in principle, not accountable to

    these constituencies.

    4.5 Environmental Issues

    It is not a material fact that through the adoption of new technological and commercial

    practices we are creating problems and inviting dangers to the sustainability of a healthy

    global system. At the same time that these new challenges of globalisation have emerged,

    considerable interest has also been directed towards the development of new ways of

    addressing the diverse impacts of business in society. Many of these impacts are far-reachingand profound. To mention just a few, one only needs to think of impacts such as:

    The environmental pollution caused by the production, transportation, and use of

    products such as cars, refrigerators, or newspapers.

    The ever increasing problems of waste disposal and management as a result of

    excessive product packaging and the dominance of throwaway culture.

    The devastating consequences for individuals and communities as a result of plant

    closures and downsizing.The erosion of local cultures and environments due to the influx of mass tourism.

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    Trade between two countries causes environmental harm. Promotion of economic growth

    without environmental safeguards results in the unsustainable consumption of natural

    resources and waste production.

    Liberalisation of the markets leads to access agreements which can override environmental

    regulations. The global business operations and activities need to be promoted towards

    worldwide environmental protections and not in harming it. Restrictions should be abided.

    However today there has been an attitudinal shift and the world leaders have been showing

    concerns for the globe and the human race.

    4.6 Changes in Marketing Functions

    Traditionally marketing was known as the process of effecting change in the ownership and

    possession of goods and services to achieve the firms objectives. This is narrow and

    ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

    Excessive Production

    Tranportation

    PROBLEMS OF WASTEMANAGEMENT

    excessive product packageing

    dominance of "throwaway culture"

    ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

    Improper Plant ClosuresIndividuals And Communities faceingproblem of downsizing

    DEPLETION OF RESOURCES

    Mass TourismUnrestrictive use of resources

    ENVIRONMENTALISSUES

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    incomplete interpretation of marketing and represents product orientation. It stressed on

    selling whatever has been produced by a business concern without caring for the needs and

    demands of the customers. Globalisation has changed this traditional concept. It is now

    recognized that the creation of customer and satisfaction of his wants justify the existence of

    a business. Business men have realized that Consumer is the King and his satisfaction

    depends on the success of the firm.

    4.7 Technological Changes

    With the increasing globalisation of international business, the high technology sector has

    become a major segment of foreign trade. Such industries as the semi-conductor chips,

    commercial aircrafts and engines, and industrial robots have become the battleground where

    firms fight to increase their market share to survive and prosper in international competition.

    The competitive environment that international business faces is to a certain extent a function

    of the technological environment and the degree of technological innovations attributed to the

    competitive environment.

    Traditional

    Marketing Selling whatever is

    produced.

    Ignoring the needsand demands of thecustomer

    ModernM

    arketing Consumer is the

    'King'.

    Satisfaction ofcustomer isultimate goal.

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    Technological change and worldwide flow of information are fundamentally reshaping how

    companies and nations do business. The pressure of technological competition increasingly

    drives corporations towards global strategies while stimulating nationalistic impulses to

    protect and secure the national technology base from international activities.

    4.8 Role of Government

    The gradual emergence of multinational networks integrated by large organizations is the

    outcome of the co-evolution between the structures of international organizations and

    opportunities of the international environment.

    Governments have hardly faded away amidst these changes, and attempts to regulate the

    entry and behavior of multinational corporations have posed, and continue to pose, a threat of

    conflict between the firm and the host nation.

    The world has moved from interdependence to integration, the challenge to government

    policy has shifted from interdependence to integration; the challenge to government policy

    has shifted from regulation of the firm to more fundamental problems, as to whether broaderpolitical and social agenda can be realized in an environment of mobile capital and integrated

    world production.

    4.9 Global Regulators and Standards

    Globalisation has made it necessary that global regulatory bodies be set up. Institutions like

    World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Health Organisation (WHO), South-Asian

    Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), United Nations Educational, Scientific, and

    Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), International Monetary Fund (IMF) etc. Global Standards

    are followed by businesses while providing their services. ISO International Standards

    Organizations Certification is accepted by people everywhere today. Control Objectives for

    Information and related Technology (COBIT) is a set of best practices for information

    technology.

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    GLOBALREGULATORY

    BODIES

    WTO

    WHO

    UNESCO

    IMF

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    4.10 Impacts of Globalization on Different Stakeholders:

    STAKEHOLDERS ETHICAL IMPACTS OF GLOBALIZATION

    Shareholders Globalization provides potential for greater profitability, but

    also greater risks. Lack of regulation of global capital markets,

    leading to additional financial risks and instability.

    Employees Corporations outsource production to developing countries in

    order to reduce costs in global marketplace this provides jobs

    but also raises the potential for exploitation of employees

    through poor working conditions.

    Consumers Global products provide social benefits to consumers across the

    globe but may also meet protests about cultural imperialism

    and westernization. It can bring cheaper prices to customers,

    exploitation by MNCs.

    Suppliers and

    Competitors

    Suppliers in developing countries face regulation from MNCs

    through supply chain management. Small scale indigenous

    competitors exposed to powerful global players.

    Civil society (pressure

    groups, NGOs, local

    communities).

    Global business activities bring the company in direct

    interaction to local communities with possibility for erosion of

    traditional community life; globally active pressure groups

    emerge with aim to police the corporation in countries where

    governments are weak.

    Government and

    regulation.

    Globalization weakens governments and increases the

    corporate responsibility for jobs, welfare, maintenance of

    ethical standards, etc. It also confronts governments with

    corporations from different cultural expectations such as

    bribery, corruption, taxation, and philanthropy.

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    To summarize the controversial debate of globalization and business ethics, the following

    issues have become essential during globalization:

    Violation of Copyrights & Software laws

    Environmental Pollution

    Dumping of wastes Air pollution

    Discrimination

    Race Gender National origin Religious beliefs

    Violation of Human Rights

    Corruption

    Not Adhering to Labour Laws

    Low Wages Child Labour Unsafe working conditions

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    5. Case Study I: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy

    5.1 Introduction

    The Bhopal disaster or Bhopal Gas Tragedy is the world's worst industrial catastrophe. It

    occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL)

    pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. At that time, UCIL was the Indian

    subsidiary of the U.S. Company Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), which is now a

    subsidiary ofDow Chemical Company. Around midnight on December 23, 1984, there was

    a leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas and other toxins from the plant, resulting in the

    exposure of over 500,000 people.

    Government agencies estimate 15,000 deaths. Others estimate that 8,000 died within the first

    weeks and that another 8,000 have since died from gas-related diseases. A government

    affidavit filed in the Supreme Court in 2006 stated that of the 558,125 cases of injury

    resulting from the disaster, 516,406 (92.5%) were minor, 38,478 (6.8%) were temporary

    partial disablement while 0.7% (~3,900) were severely and permanently disabled.

    Some 26 years after the gas leak, 390 tons of toxic chemicals abandoned at the UCIL plant

    continue to leak and pollute the groundwater in the region and affect thousands of Bhopal

    residents who depend on it, though there is some dispute as to whether the chemicals still

    stored at the site pose any continuing health hazard.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Carbide_India_Limitedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhya_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Carbidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dow_Chemical_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_isocyanatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundwaterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundwaterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_isocyanatehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dow_Chemical_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Carbidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhya_Pradeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Carbide_India_Limited
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    Over two decades since the tragedy, certain civil and criminal cases remain pending in the

    United States District Court, Manhattan and the District Court of Bhopal, India, against

    Union Carbide with an Indian arrest warrant also pending against Warren Anderson, CEO of

    Union Carbide at the time of the disaster. Greenpeace asserts that as the Union Carbide CEO,

    Anderson knew about a 1982 safety audit of the Bhopal plant, which identified 30 major

    hazards & accidents that occurred over a period of years before the tragedy and that they

    were not fixed in Bhopal but were fixed at the company's identical plant in the US.

    It is estimated that 20,000 have died since the accident from gas-related diseases. Another

    100,000 to 200,000 people are estimated to have permanent injuries.

    The quality of the epidemiological and clinical research varies. Reported and studiedsymptoms are eye problems, respiratory difficulties, immune and neurological disorders,

    cardiac failure secondary to lung injury, female reproductive difficulties and birth defects

    among children born to affected women.

    By the end of 2009, it was estimated that 25,000 had died and around 600,000 people were

    affected due to gas-related disorders. In June 2010, seven ex-employees, including the former

    chairman of UCIL, were convicted in Bhopal of causing death by negligence and sentenced

    to two years imprisonment and a fine of about $2,000 each, the maximum punishment

    allowed by law. An eighth former employee was also convicted but had died before judgment

    was passed.

    The Dow Chemical Company purchased Union Carbide in 2001 for $10.3 billion in stock and

    debt. Dow has publicly stated several times that the Union Carbide settlement payments have

    already fulfilled Dow's financial responsibility for the disaster. However, contrary to the

    belief that Dow should be equally responsible for the disaster, Dow did not purchase UCC'sIndian subsidiary, Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL). That was sold by UCC in 1994 and

    renamed Eveready Industries India limited.

    Factors leading to the disastrous gas leak include:

    The use of hazardous chemicals (MIC) instead of less dangerous ones

    Storing these chemicals in large tanks instead of over 200 steel drums.

    Possible corroding material in pipelines

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Anderson_%28chairman%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dow_Chemical_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dow_Chemical_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Anderson_%28chairman%29
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    Poor maintenance after the plant ceased production in the early 1980s

    Failure of several safety systems (due to poor maintenance and regulations).

    Safety systems being

    switched off to save

    moneyincluding the

    MIC tank refrigeration

    system which alone

    would have prevented

    the disaster.

    The wrecked MIC plant that caused at least

    10,000 have died in the years that have

    passed, and 10 more are dying every month

    due to exposure-related diseases.

    The problem was made worse by the plant's

    location near a densely populated area,

    non-existent catastrophe plans and

    shortcomings in health care and socio-economic rehabilitation. Analysis shows that the

    parties responsible for the magnitude of the disaster are the two owners, Union Carbide

    Corporation and the Government of India.

    Announcing the verdict in a local court, Chief judicial magistrate Mohan Tiwari stated that

    An American corporation cynically used a third world country to escape from the

    increasingly strict safety standards imposed at home. This appeared to give an indication of

    the sentencing severity to come, however the court went on to convict the seven accused

    guilty of criminal negligence

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    And the sentence of a fine of 100,000 rupees each and jail for two years! To add insult to

    injury, the convicted walked out within hours of the sentencing as they were all granted

    bail.

    5.2 A Deadly Timeline of Events

    December 3, 1984Shortly after midnight, methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a tank

    at Union Carbide Indias Bhopal plant. A FIR was filed with the police. According to

    the estimate of government agencies about 15,000 people die and several thousands

    were maimed.

    December 4, 1984 Warren Anderson, then CEO of Union Carbide Corporation

    (UCC). Came to India and was arrested. However, he was later released on bail. Mr.

    Anderson went to the US and never returned. Several others accused, including Union

    Carbide Indian chairman Keshub Mahindra, were also arrested.

    December 6, 1984The case was transferred to the CBI.

    March 1985 The government enacted the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act that

    enabled it to act as the legal representative of the victims in claims arising of or

    related to the disaster.

    April 1985Union Carbide offered $5 million for a relief fund before a US district

    court but the Indian government rejected the claim and demanded $3.3 billion instead.

    May 1986All litigations against Union Carbide were shifted to Indian courts by the

    US district court judge, which was appealed against.

    January 1987The US Court of Appeals affirmed the transfer of litigation

    December 1, 1987 The CBI filed the charged sheet after investigation. The chief

    judicial magistrate subsequently framed charges against the accused under the Section

    304 Part (II) (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 326 (voluntarily

    causing grievous hurts by dangerous weapons or means) and other sections of Indian

    Penal Code.

    January-December 1988 Arguments and appeals went on throughout the year

    before the Indian Courts regarding compensation for the victims.

    November 1988 The Supreme Court of India asked the Government of India and

    Union Carbide to settle the matter of compensation to the victims.

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    February 1989 The Indian government and Union Carbide arrived at an out-of-

    court settlement and the latter was to give $470 million by March 31, 1989.

    1992 Part of the $470 million was disbursed among victims. Mr. Anderson was

    declared fugitive from law for ignoring court summons.September 13, 1996The Supreme Court amended the charges against the accused

    to 304(A) (causing death by negligence), 336(acts endangering life or personal safety

    of others), 337 (causing hurt by endangering life or personal safety of others) and

    other sections of IPC, which attract a maximum punishment of two years

    imprisonment.

    July 2004 The Supreme Court of India ordered the release of remaining settled

    funds to victims, 15 years after reaching settlement.

    June 7, 2010 All eight accused -- Keshub Mahindra, then UCIL chairman, Vijay

    Gokhale, managing director, KishoreKamdar , vice president, J Mukund, works

    manager, SP Choudhary, production manager, KV Shetty, plant superintendent, S L

    Qureshi, production assistant of UCIL held guilty for the disaster after 26 years of

    tragedy. One of the accused RB Roy Choudhary, then former assistant works

    manager of Union Carbide India, died during the trial.2

    5.3 Problems Contributing to the Tragedy

    1. No maintenance supervisor was placed on the night shift and instrument readings were

    taken every two hours, rather than the previous and required one-hour readings in order to

    cut down cost.

    2. The operators chose a dangerous method of manufacturing pesticides, there was large-scale

    storage of MIC before processing, the location of the plant was close to a densely

    populated area, there was under-dimensioning of the safety features, and the plant

    depended on manual operations.

    3. Deficiencies in the management of UCIL were also identified. There was a lack of skilled

    operators due to the staffing policy, there had been a reduction of safety management due

    2See Annexure - 1

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    to reducing the staff, there was insufficient maintenance of the plant and there were only

    very loose plans for the course of action in the event of an emergency.

    4. It emerged in 1998, during civil action suits in India that, unlike Union Carbide plants in

    the US, its Indian subsidiary plants were not prepared for problems regarding equipment

    or safety regulations. No action plans had been established to cope with incidents of this

    magnitude. This included not informing local authorities of the quantities or dangers of

    chemicals used and manufactured at Bhopal.

    5. The MIC tank alarms had not worked for four years.

    6. There was only one manual back-up system, compared to a four-stage system used in the

    US.

    7. The flare tower and the vent gas scrubber had been out of service for five months before

    the disaster. The gas scrubber therefore did not treat escaping gases with sodium

    hydroxide (caustic soda), which might have brought the concentration down to a safe

    level. Even if the scrubber had been working, according to investigations in the aftermath

    of the disaster discovered that the maximum pressure it could handle was only one-

    quarter of that which was present in the accident. Furthermore, the flare tower itself was

    improperly designed and could only hold one-quarter of the volume of gas that was

    leaked in 1984.

    8. To reduce energy costs, the refrigeration system, designed to inhibit the volatilization of

    MIC, had been left idlethe MIC was kept at 20 degrees Celsius (room temperature), not

    the 4.5 degrees advised by the manual, and some of the coolant was being used

    elsewhere.

    9. The steam boiler, intended to clean the pipes, was out of action for unknown reasons.

    Slip-blind plates that would have prevented water from pipes being cleaned from

    leaking into the MIC tanks through faulty valves were not installed. Their installation

    had been omitted from the cleaning checklist.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_temperaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_temperaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxidehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxide
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    10. Water sprays designed to "knock down" gas leaks were poorly designedset to 13

    meters and below, and they could not spray high enough to reduce the concentration of

    escaping gas.

    11. The MIC tank had been malfunctioning for roughly a week. Other tanks had been used

    for that week, rather than repairing the broken one, which was left to "stew". The build-up

    in temperature and pressure is believed to have affected the magnitude of the gas release.

    12. Carbon steel valves were used at the factory, even though they corrode when exposed to

    acid. On the night of the disaster, a leaking carbon steel valve was found, allowing water

    to enter the MIC tanks. The pipe was not repaired because it was believed it would take

    too much time and be too expensive.

    13. UCC admitted in their own investigation report that most of the safety systems were not

    functioning on the night of December 3, 1984.

    5.4 Solutions Implemented over the Years

    1. A clinic established by a group of survivors and activists known as Sambhavna establishedin 1995. Sambhavna is the only clinic that will treat anybody affected by the gas, or the

    subsequent water poisoning, and treats the condition with a combination of Western and

    traditional Indian medicines, for a period of 8 years of free treatment.

    2. Having adopted some measures to control the disaster, UCC initiated an effort to identify

    the cause. It took permission from the government to clean up the site and carried out the

    work under the direction of state and central government authorities.

    3. Widow pension of the rate of Rs 200/per month (later Rs 750) was provided in the year

    1990. However the amount of the pension rate is paltry and should thus be revised.

    4. The average compensation works out to Rs 12,410 per victim at the 1989 value of the

    rupee. Compared to this, the US government paid an average of $1.8 million per victim of

    9/11, One-time ex-gratia payment of Rs 1,500 to families with monthly income Rs 500 or

    less was decided.

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    Each claimant was to be categorized by a doctor. In court, the claimants were expected to

    prove "beyond reasonable doubt" that death or injury in each case was attributable to

    exposure. In 1992, 44 percent of the claimants still had to be medically examined.

    5. From 1990 interim relief of a mere Rs 200 was paid to everyone in the family who was

    born before the disaster.

    6. The final compensation (including interim relief) for personal injury was for the majority

    Rs 25,000 (US$ 830). For death claim, the average sum paid out was Rs 62,000.

    7. Effects of interim relief were more children from the affected area are sent to school, more

    money spent on treatment, more money spent on food, improvement of housing condition.

    8. Occupation rehabilitation: It is estimated that 50,000 persons need alternative jobs, and that

    less than 100 gas victims have found regular employment under the government's scheme.

    9. Habitation rehabilitation: 2,486 flats in two- and four-story buildings were constructed in

    the "Widows colony" outside Bhopal. However the facilities provided to them are very

    poor. The water did not reach the upper floors. It was not possible to keep cattle.

    Infrastructure like buses, schools, etc. was missing in the area for at least a decade.

    10. Compensation from Union Carbide

    a) The Government of India passed the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster Act that gave the

    government rights to represent all victims in or outside India.

    b) UCC offered US$ 350 million, the insurance sum. The Government of India claimed

    US$ 3.3 billion from UCC. In 1999, a settlement was reached under which UCC agreedto pay US$470 million (the insurance sum, plus interest) in a full and final settlement of

    its civil and criminal liability.

    c) When UCC wanted to sell its shares in UCIL, it was directed by the Supreme Court to

    finance a 500-bed hospital for the medical care of the survivors. Bhopal Memorial

    Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) was inaugurated in 1998. It was obliged to give

    free care for survivors for eight years.

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    11. However On 24 June, 2010 Group of Ministers for Bhopal Gas tragedy case announced a

    Rs1265cr package. The Union Cabinet, which considered the report of the Group of

    Ministers on the 1984 disaster, accepted all its 22 recommendations.

    The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, decided that ex-gratia

    of Rs 10 lakh would be given to the kin of each killed in the tragedy, Rs 5 lakh to those

    who suffered permanent disability, Rs two lakh each to people who suffered cancer and

    total renal failure and Rs one lakh to those with temporary disability.

    The ex-gratia would benefit 45,000 affected people and the amount would be paid after

    adjusting the compensation already paid, Soni said. The government also announced

    various packages for remediation, rehabilitation and other measures, taking the total

    spending to Rs 1265.56 crore.

    The Cabinet decided that additional material in support of the request for extradition of

    Anderson may be put together by concerned agencies and the External Affairs Ministry

    would thereafter press the request for extradition with the US government, she said. India

    had made requests for Anderson's extradition (To give up the legal jurisdiction of a

    fugitive to another government) earlier, the last being in 2008, but these have not been

    entertained by the US.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Group_of_Ministers_for_Bhopal_Gas_tragedy_case&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Rupeehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Rupeehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Group_of_Ministers_for_Bhopal_Gas_tragedy_case&action=edit&redlink=1
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    6. Case Study II: TATA Stirs Controversy in Tanzania

    6.1

    Introduction

    Tata is at the forefront of India's economic push into Africa, which has until now been

    overshadowed by China's huge investments and loans on the continent. The conglomerate

    boasts of having a "significant presence in almost all the major industrial sectors" in Africa.

    In east Africa, where the large Asian population has also ensured close cooperation with

    India for decades, the company carries significant influence with local trade officials eager

    for foreign investment.

    Among other businesses, Tata processes coffee in Uganda, assembles vehicles in Kenya and

    builds agricultural machinery in Tanzania. But as the Chinese companies have learnt,

    operating in Africa brings with it scrutiny from environmental and other watchdog groups.

    In Uganda, plans by the Mehta Group, another large Indian industrial company, to clear a

    quarter of a protected forest reserve in order to plant sugar cane triggered violent anti-Asian

    protests

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    Among the first foreign companies to enter Africa, the Tata Group has a strong presence and

    spread in the African business community. Tata Africa shares the core Tata values of

    business ethics and social responsibility.

    Established in 1994, Tata Africa Holdings operates as the nodal point for Tata businesses in

    Africa.

    Tata Africa Holdings has a strong presence in over 10 African countries with investments

    exceeding US$100 million. The company was established in Johannesburg, South Africa and

    serves as headquarters for Tata operations in Africa. The organization today employs over

    750 people and operates in major industrial sectors such as information systems, engineering,

    services, materials, consumer products and chemicals.

    This case study focuses on 2 aspects:

    Rift Valley plan threatens to wipe out flamingos 'Bonkers' soda-ash plant plan will ruin fragile ecosystem in Africa.

    Tata, along with Magadi Soda Co., a Tanzanian company, joined forces to build a soda ash

    extraction plant in Tanzania. The Tanzanian government is all for the project. On the other

    hand, environmental activists are opposing the plant because it would be near Lake Natron,and it could possibly affect the lake's ecosystem and its neighboring dwellers. Tata was

    planning to change the site of the plant so it would be built 32 km from the lake, but the

    opposition still thinks it would negatively disturb the environment. It could also jeopardize

    the Lesser Flamingo birds there, which are already endangered. Lake Natron is where two

    thirds of Lesser Flamingos reproduce. Producing soda ash involves drawing out salt water

    from the lake, and then disposing the water back to the lake. This process could interrupt the

    chemical makeup of the lake. Twenty-two African nations are against the creation of theproject and have signed a petition to stop its construction.

    Lake Natron is the worlds most important breeding site for lesser Flamingos, accounting for

    75 per cent of the global population that is, 1.5 million to 2.5 million flamingos.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Natronhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Natron
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    The Magadi Soda Company is Africas largest soda ash manufacturer and one of Kenyas

    leading exporters. The company was established in 1911 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of

    Brunner Mond Group, a Tata Chemical subsidiary.

    Magadi Soda Company is a leading producer of sodium carbonate and salt. The company

    employs over 450 people at its facilities at Lake Magadi. It recovers trona ore from surface

    deposits at the base of the Rift Valley and converts it into sodium carbonate (soda ash). The

    operations at Lake Magadi are situated 120km south west of Nairobi. The soda ash is

    transported by rail to the Port of Mombasa for onward shipping.

    Soda ash is an essential constituent in the manufacture of glass and important in the

    production of detergents and industrial chemicals. Over 95 per cent of the output is exported

    to markets in South East Asia, the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Middle East.

    INDIAS Tata Chemicals, which had planned to set up a controversial soda ash

    manufacturing plant, in joint venture with the Tanzanian government with an investment of

    around $500m, has decided to put the project on hold in the face of fierce opposition from

    environmentalists.

    The proposed soda ash factory on Lake Natron's shores is feared to have a negative impact

    not only on the ecosystem of Tanzania but that of Kenya as well.

    Tata Chemicals had formed a joint venture Lake Natron Resources Ltd with the Tanzanian

    government for exploring the possibility of setting up a Soda-Ash manufacturing plant there

    which was opposed by environmentalists, who argued that the proposed plant may affect

    flamingos bird population there and affect the mineral balance of the Lake Natron.

    The Tanzanian government responded to it by shifting the location of the plant 35 kilometers

    away from the lake shore but the move was again opposed by the environmentalists as it

    comes under the Ramsar wetland area.

    According to Tata Chemicals Ltd together with officials of the state-run National

    Development Corporation (NDC), the initial environmental and social impact assessment

    (ESIA) report for the project. But according to the chief executive officer and coordinator of

    the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST), Lota Melamari, the project has the

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    potential to damage and destroy the East African lesser Flamingo population through

    disrupting the birds breeding at the lake. Lake Natron is the worlds most important breeding

    site for lesser Flamingos, accounting for 75 per cent of the global population.

    Globally there are between 2.2 to 3.3 million flamingos, with between 1.5 and 2.5 million

    located on East Africas Rift Valley lakes alone.

    TATA, which has entered into a joint venture with Tanzania's government, plans to install

    heavy machinery on the shoreline to extract half a million tones of soda ash, or sodium

    carbonate, each year.

    Tata also plans to build a coal-fired power station and house 1,200 construction workers on

    site. However after the implementation of this plan the chances of lesser flamingos

    continuing to breed at Lake Natron in the face of such mayhem are next to zero.

    Tata had finally abandoned its initially proposed large soda ash plant, which was to be built

    on the shores of Lake Natron. The project is vehemently opposed by green activists

    worldwide. The developers have now abandoned their original location, but are still

    considering alternatives, so a revised version of the development may emerge.

    6.2 Community Initiatives

    Tata Africa is actively involved in initiatives that promote the social and economic

    development of African communities.

    In keeping with the Tata Group's rich tradition of giving back to society, Tata Africa is

    actively involved in initiatives that promote the social and economic development of African

    communities. The company is currently involved with several community development

    programmes geared towards enhancing the lives of the African people.

    6.2.1. The Adult Literacy Project

    The project is a partnership between Tata Consultancy Services and the WDB Trust, an

    organisation that works in the areas of micro finance, entrepreneur training and education of

    impoverished rural women. Adapted from TCS's computer-based functional literacy

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    7. Conclusion

    Globalization has made the consumer pivotal to all calculations. If the customer wants a

    product I must be made available. Economic restrictions and trade policies that earlier

    determined what would be produced, and how are now looked up with distaste. Today,

    consumers get the first preference and any obstruction towards getting these goods and

    services across to them is abomination to the ideology of globalization. In developing

    countries like India, globalization has impacted the way businesses conduct business.

    Increasing competition, standard of living, and merging different cultures has truly changed

    the life of the nationals in the country. People prefer foreign brands, and are able to afford

    such brands due to the possibility of jobs in multinational countries which leads to higher

    paychecks, shareholders enjoy a fair return on investment, etc. The FDI of a country like

    India is increased and in return our balance of payments is very favorable and our countrys

    reputation is enhanced on the global market.

    For instance, those who had campaigned against English language as a medium of school

    instruction in India would find themselves in a dreadful minority today. Hence the mixture of

    east meeting west has impacted every country today, not just India. Poor villagers and

    socially backward classes want education to extricate themselves from the past so they can

    confidently meet the future. Not just education, other public goods such as health, transport

    and energy are equally sought after across lasses without paying as much attention to who is

    providing them but rather to the fact that they should be available to the user.

    Although there are several positive effects to globalization in relation to business ethics, there

    are drawbacks too. When a MNC or TNC sets up a base in a developing country like India,

    various changes take place. Changes such as social constraints like language, culture, social

    and environmental issues have to be obeyed. But MNC giants do not always adhere to these

    conditions; the Bhopal Gas Tragedy mentioned in this report is one of the worlds largest

    industrial-globalization oriented disasters. Hence, globalization and business ethics is a

    controversial aspect today, learning how to control it and adapt will continue to be a

    challenge.

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    8. Bibliography

    Books:1. Business Ethics and Global Values

    Pages 3-67, 75-143, 271-292By: S.K. Bhatia

    2. Globalisation and Business EthicsPages 7-25, 65-80By: Karl Homann

    3.Business Ethics

    Pages 1-13By: Dr. A.K. Gavai

    4.Management Ethics Pages 3-4By: Norman E. Bowie & Patricia H. Werhane

    5.Business Ethics & Professional ValuesPages 11-15By: Dr. A.B.Rao

    6.Ethics Incorporated: Top Priority and Bottom LinePages 189197By: Dipankar Gupta

    7.Management in IndiaPages 221237By: Herbert J. Davis, Samir R. Chatterjee & Mark Heuer

    8. Understanding Business EthicsPages: 1821By: Crane and Matten

    9.Business EthicsPages: 72, 73, 174, 175 200, 201, 223By: J.C. Vohra

    10.Business EthicsPage 50By: C.S.V. Murthy

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    Newspaper Articles:

    1. Economic Times: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy

    Dated: July 8, 2010

    2. Times of India: Will The Guys Stop Playing At WorkDated: July 22, 2010

    3. Economic Times: Companies Take On Role Of CounselorsDated: July 21, 2010

    Internet Websites:

    1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal_disaster2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalization3. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/317878/globalization_and_ethics4. http://www. Referenceforbusiness.com/small/Eq-INC/Globalization.html5. http://www.jstor.org/pss/3857689

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal_disasterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal_disaster
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    AnnexureII The Times of India Will The Guys Stop Playing

    At Work

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    AnnexureIII Economic Times: Companies Take On Role Of

    Counselors