Technology's role in globalization and worker impact

Unit 1 Discussion
Technology has contributed to the spread of globalization in many ways. First, technology has enabled the more efficient transportation of goods and labor, enabling more robust and reliable supply chains. Second, technology facilitates communication between stakeholders at every level of the supply chain but also within the company and between the company and clients. Third, technology has contributed to the spread of globalization by effectively creating a service industry sector that is not geographically dependent. Technology has allowed companies to outsource services that would have previously never been possible. Finally, technology has facilitated the flow of capital (Stever & Muroyama, 1988).
Unit 2 Discussion
Barto’s top management would want to know about the business environment in Slovenia before reaching an expansion decision. One of the most important things to be aware of is the market and how it is segmented in Slovenia. Then, management would want to learn Slovenia’s regulatory environment, including any legal constraints on its operations. Third, management needs to know if there are any pre-existing supply chains it can capitalize on for cost reductions (Evans, 2015). Fourth, it would be important to understand the culture to know how to best structure the Slovenian office.
Unit 3 Discussion
I would most certainly be concerned about the payments, which essentially constitute bribery and corruption under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (United States Department of Justice, 2018). I would be worried about any legal ramifications, which would damage the reputation of our firm. Also, our firm is committed to ethics and needs to retain the confidence of its stakeholders and shareholders. Even when bribery is common practice in a place where we have business relationships, it is still not appropriate for us to engage in those practices. There are many ethical approaches to corruption, and the one that underlies legislation prohibiting payments to government officials is nonconsequentialism because the law states that it is categorically wrong to perpetuate corruption in business. My response would be to hold a meeting immediately and have in place a clear protocol for overcoming this type of obstacle next time.
Unit 4 Discussion
The issue with the ten year-old boy is an ethical dilemma. There is no clear-cut answer, making it a challenging issue to resolve simply. On the one hand, the local manager is right—the boy is likely better off in his employ than out on the streets. The boy appreciates the work, is unlikely to fare better anywhere else, and may have a bright future with the company if he continues working under his mentor. On the other hand, the head office does have a strict policy that forbids child labor. What I would do in this situation is consider the “ethics rises above the law” quotient and confront head office with the dilemma. I would say that while our policy reflects American values, ethics, and labor laws, that Nambodia is different and that this child does deserve a chance to have a future with the company—albeit in a way that would not be deemed culturally acceptable or even legal in the United States.
The second issue regarding dumping toxic waste is an ethical lapse. This is a major infraction, one that can possibly lead to our firm being responsible for disease and death. Any investment must be made in cleaning up the mess, even if it means taking initial losses. The company must come up with creative ways of turning the challenge into an opportunity for growth, such as simultaneously investing in sustainability projects that we can use to market the firm’s commitment to social and environmental sustainability.





References

Evans, M. (2015). 10 key steps to expanding your business globally. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2015/03/04/10-key-steps-to-expanding-your-business-globally/#5e56026d3803
Stever, H.G. & Muroyama, J. (1988). Globalization of Technology: International Perspectives. https://www.nap.edu/read/1101/chapter/2
United States Department of Justice (2018). Foreign corrupt practices act. https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act