Question 1

Appiah points out some examples of how Western products and media have become popular in traditional, non-Western cultures. Is this a bad thing? What if traditional cultures are lost and everyone becomes more Westernized? Does this sometimes constitute "cultural imperialism"? If so, when?

Accepted Answer

Appiah's examples of Western products and media becoming popular in traditional, non-Western cultures include the spread of fast food chains, Hollywood movies, and Western fashion trends. Whether this is a bad thing or not is subjective and depends on one's perspective. Some may argue that the spread of Western products and media can lead to cultural homogenization and the loss of traditional values and practices. Others may see it as a sign of cultural exchange and globalization.

If traditional cultures are lost and everyone becomes more Westernized, it can be seen as a form of cultural imperialism. Cultural imperialism occurs when a dominant culture imposes its values, beliefs, and practices on a less powerful culture, often leading to the marginalization and erasure of the latter's traditions. This can happen when Western products and media overwhelm and overshadow local cultural expressions, leading to a loss of diversity and cultural identity.

Cultural imperialism is particularly concerning when it leads to the exploitation and commodification of traditional cultures for profit, without giving proper recognition or compensation to the communities from which these cultural practices originate. This can occur when Western companies appropriate and commercialize traditional cultural symbols, rituals, or art forms without understanding or respecting their significance to the original culture.

In conclusion, the spread of Western products and media in traditional, non-Western cultures can have both positive and negative effects. It is important to consider the impact on local traditions and identities, and to strive for a more equitable and respectful exchange of cultural influences. Cultural imperialism occurs when this exchange becomes one-sided and leads to the marginalization and erasure of traditional cultures. It is important to be mindful of these power dynamics and to work towards a more balanced and inclusive global cultural landscape.

Question 2

Explain the distinction that Donaldson draws between cultural relativism and absolutism (or ethical imperialism). Do you think that one of these views is the correct one? Donaldson tries to create a middle ground between them. Does he succeed in doing this?

Accepted Answer

Donaldson draws a distinction between cultural relativism and absolutism (or ethical imperialism) by highlighting the differences in their approaches to ethical decision-making. Cultural relativism argues that ethical standards are relative to the culture in which they are practiced, and that there is no universal standard for morality. On the other hand, absolutism (or ethical imperialism) asserts that there are universal ethical principles that should be applied across all cultures, regardless of their specific cultural norms and values.

Donaldson attempts to create a middle ground between these two views by advocating for a "principled relativism" approach. This approach acknowledges the importance of cultural context in shaping ethical beliefs and practices, while also recognizing the existence of universal ethical principles that can serve as a guide for ethical decision-making. Donaldson argues that this middle ground allows for a more nuanced and flexible approach to ethical decision-making, taking into account both cultural diversity and universal ethical standards.

Whether one of these views is the "correct" one is a matter of ongoing debate and philosophical inquiry. Some may argue that cultural relativism allows for greater respect and understanding of diverse cultural practices, while others may argue that absolutism provides a necessary framework for promoting universal human rights and ethical standards. Donaldson's attempt to create a middle ground between these views is commendable, as it seeks to reconcile the strengths of both perspectives. However, it is ultimately up to individual interpretation and ethical reasoning to determine which view is the most appropriate in a given context.

In conclusion, Donaldson's attempt to create a middle ground between cultural relativism and absolutism is a thought-provoking and valuable contribution to the discourse on ethical decision-making. While it may not fully satisfy proponents of either view, it offers a nuanced and balanced approach that takes into account the complexities of cultural diversity and universal ethical principles. Whether or not he succeeds in fully reconciling these views is a matter of ongoing debate and interpretation.

Question 3

What are good reasons for adopting compassion as a fundamental value? List five or six. What are the limits of compassion? Should businesspeople be more compassionate? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

Good reasons for adopting compassion as a fundamental value include:

1. Promoting empathy and understanding: Compassion encourages individuals to consider the feelings and experiences of others, leading to greater empathy and understanding in relationships and communities.

2. Fostering a sense of unity and cooperation: Compassion can bring people together and promote a sense of unity, leading to more cooperative and harmonious interactions.

3. Improving mental and emotional well-being: Practicing compassion has been shown to have positive effects on mental and emotional health, reducing stress and promoting a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

4. Contributing to a more just and equitable society: Compassion can drive individuals to advocate for social justice and equality, leading to positive change in communities and society as a whole.

5. Enhancing personal and professional relationships: Compassion can improve communication and trust in personal and professional relationships, leading to more positive and productive interactions.

The limits of compassion may include:

1. Compassion fatigue: Constantly giving to others without taking care of oneself can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue.

2. Enabling unhealthy behavior: Compassion may sometimes lead to enabling or tolerating behavior that is harmful to oneself or others.

3. Overextending oneself: Being too compassionate may lead to neglecting one's own needs and boundaries.

Businesspeople should strive to be more compassionate, as it can lead to a more positive and ethical work environment. Compassion in business can lead to improved employee morale, better customer relationships, and a more positive public image. However, it is important for businesspeople to also balance compassion with practicality and sound decision-making, as being overly compassionate in business dealings may lead to exploitation or financial instability. Ultimately, a balance of compassion and strategic thinking is necessary for success in the business world.

Question 4

Explain Donaldson's "Three Guiding Principles" for balancing competing values. Choose one of the case studies at the end of the chapter and apply Donaldson's principles to it. Are they helpful in that case?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Write five guidelines for an ethical corporate culture that would work in any society.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

What do you think of Donaldson's "Guidelines for Ethical Leadership"? How can you improve them?

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Explain Wettstein's conditions for determining when a company is complicit in human rights violations. In the case of "IBM's Business with Hitler," which of these conditions, if any, did IBM meet? Does Wettstein's theory show that IBM was complicit?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Explain the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Find three problems with this act. How could these problems be solved?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

In your own words, explain the argument from Matt Zwolinski outlined in the box on p. 367. How would Arnold and Bowie object to this argument? Are you more sympathetic to Arnold and Bowie or to Zwolinski? Why?

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Question 10

Write three short scenes illustrating different misunderstandings that could arise between a businessperson with Confucian beliefs and one with typical Western beliefs about business.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Explain the quandary at PureDrug. How would you solve the quandary?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Disagreements about values are not always about who is right and who is wrong, according to Isaiah Berlin. He says:

Accepted Answer

Isaiah Berlin believed that values can clash and that this is a reason why civilizations can be incompatible, as different cultures may prioritize different values, leading to conflicts that are not necessarily about right or wrong.

Question 13

Some traditional ways of living are disappearing in the face of globalization. Appiah's opinion of this is that:

Accepted Answer

Appiah believes in preserving as many options as possible for people to choose from, including traditional ways of living, but also supports the idea that people should be allowed to abandon old ways if they no longer make economic sense. This approach respects both the value of cultural heritage and the practical needs of individuals in a globalized world.

Question 14

What is Appiah's opinion of "cultural imperialism"?

Accepted Answer

Appiah argues that people are not passive recipients of culture; they actively interpret and adapt cultural influences, so they are not simply overwritten by Western culture.

Question 15

What is Appiah's point about authentic culture?

Accepted Answer

Appiah argues that the concept of "authentic" culture is difficult to define because cultures are dynamic and have historically influenced each other, making it challenging to pinpoint what is purely authentic.

Question 16

The researchers who studied international viewers of American soap operas discovered:

Accepted Answer

The correct answers are that people tend to prefer local programs that are close to their own culture, and they respond to American programs according to their existing cultural context. This suggests that while there's an interest in American soap operas, viewers interpret and appreciate them through the lens of their own cultural experiences and preferences.

Question 17

Why does Appiah praise "contamination"?

Accepted Answer

Appiah praises "contamination" because he views the blending of cultures as a process that has always occurred and believes it enriches cultures rather than diminishes them. He argues that cultural interactions lead to the exchange of ideas, practices, and innovations, which can enhance the development and depth of cultures.

Question 18

Moral clarity "often blurs" when we do what, according to Donaldson?

Accepted Answer

Moral clarity often blurs when we go to another country due to differing cultural norms and values.

Question 19

Cultural relativism must be content that there are no __________ ethical guidelines.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism posits that ethical guidelines are not universal but are instead culturally specific, meaning there are no international ethical guidelines that apply to all cultures.

Question 20

According to Donaldson, neither __________ nor __________ is truly helpful to real-world decision making by businesses.

Accepted Answer

Donaldson argues that neither relativism (the belief that moral principles are relative to the culture or individual) nor absolutism (the belief that there are universal moral principles that apply to all cultures and individuals) is truly helpful to real-world decision making by businesses. This is because both positions can lead to decision-making paralysis or ethical blind spots. Relativism can prevent businesses from making any moral judgments at all, while absolutism can lead to inflexible and potentially culturally insensitive decisions.

Quiz 10: Think Local, Act Global: International Business