Searching for cross-cultural, moral and ethical reality: A case of bribery in an international and entrepreneurial context

Abstract

Through the use of an international business example where contract negotiations are involved, the authors illustrate how legal, perceptual, and cultural differences influence the ethical and moral reality confronting global business leaders. Absolutism and situational ethics are scrutinized within a case context to demonstrate how opposing views of ethical and moral reality can arise, particularly in a situation involving bribery. An extensive and intensive debate occurs between a purchasing VP of a large Korean company and the sales director of a small, entrepreneurial firm from the heartland of USA. Personal and cultural values are counterpoised through these two corporate agents in order to challenge the absolutist position of “right and wrong or black and white.”