Differences in Cultures and Ethical Systems

Using the readings that you have done and your own experiences, discuss our book chapters three and four and "The Principle of Care" in Global Business Leadership by E.S. Wibbeke and Sarah McArthur, pp. 61-86. PDF reading. List key words in the following questions as your titles and discuss your ideas under each. For Example:
If you were a U.S. business leader, which Western ethical system would you like to adopt in your business dealings and why?
Topic: My selected Western ethical system
How would you develop cultural self-awareness in yourself and others through building relationships and frame-shifting?
Topic: How I would develop cultural self-awareness
In your response, address any one the non-western ethical systems and describe how you would interact with a business colleague from that system. What issues would you confront?
Topic: My non-western ethical system
EXAMPLE 1:
If you were a U.S. business leader, which Western ethical system would you like to adopt in your business dealings and why?
Topic: My selected Western ethical system- Teleology
I would adopt Teleology ethical system as a U.S. business leader because I want my business dealings to be led with the ethics of purpose or intention. The Teleology perspective elevates intentions and I believe that trusting one’s intentions is key to building partnerships. Additionally, the ethics of purpose is a two-step approach that would require me to first decide about what should be done, then find or identify the suitable means/methods to achieve that end. I think that Teleology’s two-step approach is a good way to judge employee conduct, manage and maintain work relationships.
How would you develop cultural self-awareness in yourself and others through building relationships and frame-shifting?
Topic: How I would develop cultural self-awareness
I think implicit and explicit bias make it difficult to see differences therefore, it is necessary to first understand what cultural self-awareness is, then focus on developing cultural self-awareness. So, I would I develop cultural self-awareness by asking questions and listen to members of the community which would allow me to learn about the community. Cultural self-awareness is extremely helpful because it forces me to almost “unlearn” practices shaped by my previous environments. Additionally, developing cultural self-awareness would provide me with more tools or resources to close gaps and build bridges (frame-shifting). Frame-shifting coupled with cultural self-awareness would require me to acknowledge differences and cognitively adapt my communication style, strategic approach and leadership style to meet the needs within the culture.
In your response, address any one the non-western ethical systems and describe how you would interact with a business colleague from that system. What issues would you confront?
Topic: My non-western ethical system
I think that the tenets of Confucianism would be helpful when interacting with a business colleague who is dealing with a difficult crisis. Confucianism as an ethical system would allow me to effectively communicate with a colleague who experienced a death in their family because it, “emphasizes sympathizing for others when they are suffering” (p. 77). This emphasizes on sympathy would allow me to confront the issue and connect with a colleague on a human level. According to Confucianism, individuals find their greatest harmony in life based on the “relationships one has during human existence” (p. 77). I think Confucianism strengthens communication among colleagues because it prioritizes humans, their connection with one another, their interests, and their achievements.
Sources:
The Principle of Care in Global Business Leadership by Wibbeke and McArthur
EXAMPLE 2:
Topic: My selected Western ethical system
As a U.S. Business leader, I would adopt Teleology - ethics of purpose in my business dealings. I chose this ethical system because I believe in this culture, one of the driving forces for business is meaningful purpose. Many companies create some sort of mantra or idea that resonates with the idea of value and ethics. I currently operate with a company goal is to “stick with our members through sickness and health”. It is a reminder to the employees that we must have some purpose behind our business, and often the purpose, isn’t necessarily the product.
Topic: How I would develop cultural self-awareness
I am currently working on being more culturally aware to date. I can say that what I have done to help develop this cognizance is to take classes and emerge myself into the diversity and inclusion. I have been to a few countries and stayed for months at time engaging in the culture, religions and lifestyles. This allowed me to erase many dysfunctional myths and stereotypes that people tend to believe growing up in the western hemisphere. I think having those experiences, I have been allowed to be open and interested in other cultures and beliefs. I ask questions, develop those relationships and show my genuine interest and acceptance. I encourage others to do this as well. Doing this allows for the frame-shifting to happen. Then and only then will a leader be able to take full accountability for what needs to happen and instead and provide a clearer vision that is inclusive and focused on shifting.
Topic: My non-western ethical system
I chose Hindu ethics. I would interact with a business colleague from that system with the same respect that I would expect of them. Because this ethical system is driven by religion, there are many things that I would steer clear of in opinionated conversations. Spiritually this ethical system is geared around the body, which is sacred, respect and certain societal hierarchy’s that most western ethics do not adapt for the most part. In this reading, it talks about being able to listen and not speak for the sake of conversation, but more for allowing the speaker the opportunity to be heard. This is how I would confront an issue a person from this ethical system.
EXAMPLE 3:
Topic: My selected Western ethical system
The Western ethical system I would adopt for my business would be ethics of consequence. Over the years I have seen how the performance of one individual affects the team, especially if the company doesn’t want to single out that person so the whole team gets reprimanded. This action drains the energy in a team, especially if it is continuous. There have also been people overlooked on promotions, which cause productivity efficiency drop. I am a firm believer that it is okay to call out an individual based on their actions. This would allow for the correct action to be taken.
Topic: How I would develop cultural self-awareness
I would develop culture self-awareness by taking the time to know the people I work with and encouraging others to do the same. Share my understanding of my position and seek feedback. I would listen and ask questions to make sure everyone is on the same page. Learn about the culture and important landmarks of the area I would be going to. Identify patterns in their language/body language.
Topic: My non-western ethical system
The non-western ethical system I would interact with is Hindu ethics. Some years back I took a humanities course and our reading were from the Bhagavad Gita. The traditional cultural was rich and complex. They seem to be peaceful by nature. I would get more in depth with their traditions, culture and work ethics. Hindus have daily ritual of morning and evening prayer. There would be a room for prayer in the event they do not make it home in time. Hindus are very family oriented. Would keep that in mind when important family events are around and accommodate days off.