International business
Question 1
Canada ensures the risk of other nations doing business with it is minimal through its government policies. It offers an open, transparent, and receptive market for goods and services from foreign countries like the USA. Besides, the banking systems in Canada are efficient for foreign investments. The tax rate in Canada has also been significantly reduced from 18% to 15% to attract international businesses.
Question 2
The most common political systems around the world are pluralism, anarchism, and totalitarianism. Democracy may also affect business operations. Capitalist and democratic governments may be assumed to promote international trade since most businesses prefer operating in environments where government involvement is minimal. However, in the real sense, companies are seen to work with nations whose government controls the trade activities. Other businesses like oil trade prefer authoritarian governments since they are more predictable for long-term contracts.
Question 3
Government restrictions like the ones set in China impacted the US-based Google company activities. The company was forced to cut off its mainland version and use the Hong Kong version. The tax cuts advocated for by UK’s Conservative Party and the Republican Party in the US are meant to promote business growth.
Question 4
In ethical imperialism, only one common moral standard is upheld without concern for location or culture. Conversely, in cultural relativism, morals within the local environment are highly valued since they act as determinants for wrongs and right. For instance, countries that agree to public smoking because of company policies and government regulations may practice cultural relativism. On the other hand, if a country’s customary is to subject children to work, which is questionable internationally, it may be termed ethical imperialism.
Question 5
CSR may be defined as a company’s mark of its disposition to be liable to its several stakeholders. Such issues may include the environment, human rights, community relations, and human resources.
Question 6
Ethics govern interactions within the international business. For instance, the rule of law sets standards that are followed by most Western countries in foreign trade. Racial discrimination is likely to affect employers and employees. For instance, more than $505 million people are victims of such in the business community annually.
As a morally upright employee, it is significantly crucial that I gauge the situation and make the most appropriate response, which will promote ethics as well as ensure that my position is retained. Such cases are full of a dilemma since a lot of things are placed at risk. My company’s success in the bidding process entirely depends on my choices. Besides, the other company is participating in an illegal act if my suspicions are correct. Reporting them may bear a lot of consequences for both the bidding company and the competitors and even me. The wisest action that I would do is to report the whole issue to both my company and the organization responsible for anti-corruption. Whether the suspicions are wrong or right, this situation must be known to the company and authorities in case matters get out of hand.
The first step in dealing with such a situation is to ensure that no emotions are attached to the solution, and my mind should be clear form any past occurrences with the suspect. Consequently, I would report this issue to a legal representative such as an attorney who will help provide the necessary guidelines for responding to such a situation. Afterward, I will be obligated to collect the evidence required to prove my allegations are true. If the CCTV cameras are available, I am expected to use them as I gather my evidence on the stealing that is going on in the business. Since cases dealing with co-owners are severe, I will need credible evidence to prove these allegations. Therefore, I should ensure that I attend to the entire process and listen to the attorney’s advice.
The wisest thing to do is to gauge the situation. However, the most appropriate action to take is to withdraw my stocks from such a company. The employees are subjected to harsh conditions, which may pose a health threat to them. Besides, they are likely to underperform in their areas of duty. Companies that mistreat their workers, their business is expected to fail, and a decline in stock prices. Therefore, if I maintain my stocks at such a company, I am likely to incur losses that call for the drastic withdrawal of my stocks and investing them in better companies.
In Canada, insider trading is prohibited. Besides, a person who participates in this act may get his money from this illegal act. Money obtained through such means is also considered illegal for use. The laws that prohibit this act are aimed at keeping ethical standards. Therefore, dealing with such a criminal will be unlawful, and if found, the library might be shut down. Thus, the most appropriate decision is to reject the offer despite the crisis being faced and look for other willing donors whose money has been lawfully acquired.
In such circumstances, it calls for a sense of humanity. This mother of five may be struggling to fend for her large family. The job that we are both working is fending for both our needs. But since I have no family responsibilities or dependencies on me, I believe it will be courteous to let her have the position. Besides, she is talented, and I believe she will do well in this job. My wife will be able to cater to the small bills for the period that I will be looking for a job, and I believe it won’t take long for me to secure a similar position since I am qualified.
| GROOMING PRODUCT/ELECTRONIC GADGET | MANUFACTURING COMPANY | IMPACT OF CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT | ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT |
| Rolex watch | Rolex Watch Co. | The management in the USA branches is fair enough; thus, the employees enjoy their workplaces. The company also provides training which opens employees to what is expected of them. | _____
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| iPhone | Foxconn | The company’s branch in China exposes its workers to overcrowded work areas, and overtime working, which is not paid for, diminishes employee morale. Besides, this company has been associated with a culture of its employees committing suicide, which provides negative ratings and loss of human labor. | Huawei |
| MacBook Laptop | Apple Inc. | Effective management from its leaders, Steve Jobs, and now Tim Cook, the workers are exposed to excellent working conditions, which improves the success rate for this company. Besides, its corporate culture has enabled it to thrive in the US because the employees are motivated to achieve the company’s vision and mission. | _____ |
| Adidas pants | Adidas AG | Adidas AG has a culture of employee collaboration, which is aimed at boosting employee growth and managing their careers at the main headquarters in Germany. It also provides an environment for its workers to be further engaged and maintained. Active management has also boosted the working conditions at the company. | ______ |
| Nike t-shirt | Nike Inc. | Bike’s culture serves to promote innovation and creativity. The employees are given a set of regulations on how to do their jobs, which ensures that they work according to the company’s standards. Therefore, the workforce can ensure the success of the business. Through training programs, they are also enlightened about what is expected of them. However, poor working conditions have been associated with Nike’s branch, especially in Asia, specifically China. With such, the management may have failed to ensure the right working conditions for its employees. | Adidas |
| Nivea for men body lotion | Beiersdorf AG | The corporate culture firmly upholds its employees working conditions; it ensures that the individuals are motivated to explore their ideas as well as responsibility for their actions. The management at its Mexican branch is open and transparent, hence making the workers comfortable at work. | ______ |
The Canada Border Services Agency has a workforce that can ensure all its services are successfully provided to nearly 1200 points within Canada and thirty-nine locations in foreign countries. The CBSA makes sure that the prosperity and security of Canada are maintained through managing the access of goods and people leaving and entering Canada. Besides, the board is meant to uphold the safety, controlling, and managing the Canadian border through several measures. The people who come into Canada must agree to the Canadian laws and be willing to comply with them. For instance, traders from foreign markets must ensure that they are ready to work within the trade laws set by the Canadian government to ensure economic development. Without this board, the Canadian border could be invaded by anyone, which may affect the normal operations within the country.
Moreover, the CBSA makes sure that all commercial shipments that cross the Canadian ports at the point of entry are fully processed. This act will ensure that rules and regulations at the Canadian border are strictly followed. The main aim of this process is to ensure that prohibited goods are screened so that they may not leave or enter into the Canadian territory. Besides, trade statistics ought to be accurate, which is achieved by this process. The CBSA also ensures that the necessary taxes and duties are paid at the border. Food safety, as well as animal and plant health, is checked to ensure that they are safe to enter into the territory.
Furthermore, the people arriving at the border are assessed, and those who might pose a significant threat to Canada are detained. CBSA addresses cases of money laundering. Additionally, people involved in crimes against humanity and war crimes are removed from the border. Undoubtedly, the CBSA is doing an excellent job for Canadian citizens
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In Canada, one is expected to obtain a Canadian study permit to study in the country. However, for students who are planning to attend a program that lasts six months or less, the study permit is unnecessary. One is expected to either apply online or through hardcopy. For a travel or work permit, an individual must provide a valid document like a passport, no criminal records, or good health. Besides, the immigration officer needs to be convinced of any existing ties that will facilitate return to one’s home country. They are expected to download and fill an application form for one to go and work or travel in the USA. Afterward, one is expected to send a passport copy attached to the application form to the work and travel website in the USA. One is also expected to deposit $250, and after approval, one can now go for a visa interview. To obtain a student visa, they have to provide a valid passport for six months beyond the intended period of living in the US. Also, one must be accepted by a SEVP approved school. Fee payment for the SEVIS is also needed.
The recent SARS outbreak in Toronto has negatively impacted international business. Toronto is the largest city in Canada; hence most airports and highways are located here. International business requires the movement of goods in and out of the country through these transport systems. However, the SARS outbreak led to quarantine and closure of many firms that the international businesses depended on. Lockdown led to the closure of borders so that goods can neither leave nor enter the country. This is a significant blow in the international business and threatens to lead to an economic crisis during the post-SARS period.