Moral obligations of multinational corporations

Introduction Majority believe that Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have the moral obligations to support poor countries because of their financial capabilities. However, most of the firms have been subjected to ethical examination concerning their conduct of exploiting the resources in hosting nations.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Moral obligations of multinational corporations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In fact, libertarian theorists supported the notion that multinational corporations have the moral responsibility of giving back to the society in any form that is deemed beneficial. The reason is that the resources multinational corporations continue to exploit should benefit the whole society. On the contrary, critics argue that the major aim of such organizations is to exploit the resources of host nations for economic, social and ecological expansion. Further, multinational corporations participate in criminal activities that undermine the human dignity (Donaldson 70). The paper argues for the case basing the arguments on various theoretical framework including libertarianism as well as Avoid, Protect and Aid rules of MNCs toward the society. In other words, the paper will focus on the Avoid, Protect and Aid rules of MNCs toward the society to bring out clearly the reasons why multinational corporations have ethical obligation to fulfill. However, the paper will utilize the rights in the global market concept to criticize the views held by libertarian theories to analyze the benefits of MNCs considering treatment of native employees, foreign ventures, transfer of modern expertise and management techniques. The rights in the global market concept examine the need for multinational corporations to uphold individual rights particularly in host countries.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Libertarian theories According to libertarian theories of the corporate and global capitalism, multinational enterprises have moral obligations of returning proceeds to stakeholders within the bounds of moral side-constraints that are grounded in the rules of the game (Arnold 158). In addition, the return of profits should be within the precincts of societal anticipations including promotion of background institutions, legal obligations, morals as well as social corporate responsibility. Core to the benefits multinational institutions offer to the society is the economic aid that is geared towards alleviating societal tribulations. Avoid, Protect and Aid rules of MNCs The realization of social and economic rights Multinational corporations have inserted a lot of social and economic influence in the affairs of the host countries. In fact, with decreased influence of government agencies on the public affairs, multinational corporations are part of the private entities that have increasingly gained a lot of influence on the public affairs. Benefits the public is likely to get from the MNCs are part of the economic rights of an individual. In fact, multinational corporations realize their goals to the community through many ways. The first important avenue is the societal institutions. Strengthening such institutions provides a sure means through which multinational organizations can be utilized to provide aid to the needy people in poor countries (Hsieh 270). The fundamental units of the society such as education, health, economic institutions and governments are critical concerning the operations of business organizations. Multinational corporations have to collaborate with these institutions in order to attain the main role of returning part of their proceeds to the society. In fact, multinational corporations should recognize the importance of various institutions of society and understand that firms cannot operate in a void (Hsieh 170). In oth er words, multinational corporations are part of the economic institutions of society and should benefit the communities in which they operate.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Moral obligations of multinational corporations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In principle, the multinational enterprises operate in multifaceted circumstances and have moral obligations to meet the demands of various societal institutions including governments, as well as the community hosting their operations. Corporate accountability Besides, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) currently being applied in a corporate world has been derived from the principles of libertarianism. In fact, the idea of corporate social responsibility has been practiced over the last decades. The notion coins the importance of corporations to the communities surrounding areas where such enterprises operate. In fact, the principle behind CS R is that large corporations are responsible for individual actions. Besides, the benefits of the corporations should be shared by the communities, which are considered as part of the stakeholders. Actually, there is a growing concern among international groups particularly Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) urging global enterprises to balance proceeds with community residency. In other words, multinational corporations have moral obligations to meet the economic, legal and ethical as well as charitable anticipations of the society (Falkenberg 32). In the current global context where market determines the survivability of firms, multinational corporations should include the components of global CSR in operations in order to continue existing. The elements of international CSR entail economic, legal and ethical roles. Further, international enterprises are also expected to be good corporate citizens through philanthropic responsibilities (Arnold 158). In reality, multinational co rporations should be socially responsible through the provision of financial, as well as any other aid the communities may need.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In other words, they should be supportive of the needy communities particularly through direct financial aid or contributing hugely towards activities that alleviate social problems afflicting the society. Core to the libertarian principles are the economic responsibilities of multinational corporations. The main argument is that multinational corporations should indulge in activities that benefit the society. Actually, the foundation of global business processes is to produce goods and services that provide solutions to problems afflicting the society (Falkenberg 20). In other words, profit making which is always the ultimate objective of multinational enterprises should meet requirements of the global society. Essentially, firms should adhere to global strategic management principles that provide ethical guidance on the achievement of production and profit. Through profits, multinational corporations have the capability of providing financial aid or contributing to the actions gea red towards meeting the needs of society (Arnold 159). Besides, multinational corporations can engage in the production of goods and services that directly benefit the society. For instance, multinationals in the pharmaceutical industry can engage in producing anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs that can directly be used to alleviate deaths resulting from HIV/AIDS in poor countries instead of contributing to financial aid. Further, multinational organizations must abide by the specified acceptable rates of return in host nations. The reason is that MNCs operate in countries that are in dire need of aid. Besides, total annual earnings of MNCs equal the host countries’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As such, it would be natural for these countries to ask for higher rates of return from the global corporations (Hsieh 266). Nonetheless, one major issue in the current policy is whether multinational corporations have greater responsibilities to the wider society. As observed by libertarian theorists, most scholarly works support the argument that multinational corporations have greater responsibilities to respond to societal needs. However, critics of the view argue that the sole responsibility of multinational enterprises is to guarantee that shareholders obtain their due. In other words, the multinational corporations are responsible to the shareholders and not the society. Activities of MNCs geared towards the society should be considered philanthropic and not a moral duty. In essence, the shareholders should decide whether to share their dividends with the society. Moreover, multinational corporations should respond to the needs of society without hurting the businesses, as well as main objective of maximizing profit. As indicated, calls for multinational corporations to contribute to the needs of society are not only limited to NGOs but also world leaders, activists and scholars. The reason is that considering the financial capabilities, MNCs are in better posit ions to offer assistance. However, assistances from multinational corporations should not go against the main purpose of making profits. The principle of providing aid underlies actions that would prevent an occurrence of a problem. According to this perspective, multinational corporations should take actions geared towards preventing the societal problems by incurring little costs. In fact, costs involved in the social responsibility should be less than the corporate returns. In addition, multinational corporations should act when presented with situations where the costs of preventing major problems afflicting society are relatively small. In other words, MNCs have moral responsibilities of preventing major problems afflicting society at small costs. Essentially, the libertarian principles justify moral actions of the MNCs. Government regulation Multinational corporations often undermine the government regulations in their endeavors in host nations (Donaldson 68). Actually, in the global context, numerous states lack well-defined regulatory frameworks that standardize the ethical obligations of multinational enterprises. Besides, in foreign countries, the operations of multinational corporations are smoothened by the failure of host states to come up with set of laws that protect the civil liberties of workers. In other words, local government officials normally have financial interests in the actions of MNCs thereby opening space for corruption to thrive. Generally, multinational enterprises have moral duties to recognize workers’ freedom of physical movement (Donaldson 70). In other words, workers should not be subjected to strict rules disallowing movements from positions of duty. Additionally, fair trials, freedom from torture as well as ownership of property are significant liberties that workers in multinational enterprises should enjoy. Over the past years, many multinational corporations embraced nepotism by discriminating individuals based on race, sexual orientation, religion, family affiliation as well as social class. Further, labor unions play significant roles to ensure that workers’ rights are upheld and honored (Donaldson 77). As such, multinational corporations are duty-bound to desist from coercive campaigns and strategies that restrict the surfacing of workers’ unions through lobbying host states to prevent emergence of labor movements. Additionally, multinational corporations have in the past aided in overthrowing governments and states as well as offering support for authoritarian heads of governments in order to carry on with unethical activities (Donaldson 79). For example, the overthrow of Honduras government in 1950s was aided by a MNC. Besides, MNCs have moral obligations to refrain from supporting autocratic regimes in emerging democracies as well as bribing public officials. Specifically, Lockheed Company undermined the democratic gains made in Japan by offering inducements to the nation ’s prime minister in order to be awarded jet contracts. Such actions weaken democracy as well as breach the right to national freewill. Multinational enterprises should also observe the authorized legal systems in host nations. Besides, MNCs have moral obligations to observe international conventions and justice systems that protect the rights of individuals. The major focus of international justice revolves on the rights that individuals are supposed to enjoy (O’Neil 182). Nonetheless, international justice often ignores the requirements capable of protecting the rights of individuals. Essentially, multinational corporations have moral obligations of abiding by the varying social contracts they have with host nations. However, multinational enterprises are capable of escaping laws by moving operations from one nation to another (Velasquez 36). Good reputation is an essential aspect in the operations of international firms. In essence, multinational organizations have to ensure that their operations are based on acceptable societal practices, which are not necessarily within the legal domain. In fact, no global business would wish to be listed as the worst performing corporation since such publications lead to loss of good repute (Donaldson 74). Generally, multinational enterprises have a universal responsibility of recognizing norms, practices and anticipations reflecting beliefs that are considered fair and consistent in relation to values and fortifications of ethical rights of stakeholders. In other words, ethical principles of moral philosophy including justice and rights should form the bedrock of business operations. Rights in the global market Multinational corporations have the moral obligations to honor and protect the squashed civil liberties of workers in the global context (Donaldson 67). Further, freedom of speech, basic nutrition and freedom from torture as well as right to education are major issues of concern in several nations. In fact, most countries around the world still deny citizens basic rights. For instance, wife beating and child labor are common in Korea and Central America respectively. Essentially, MNCs have the moral responsibility to decline engaging children in the operations of such firms through employment. Further, the wellbeing of personnel is an important obligation that MNCs must address. Actually, in situations where multinational enterprises are not obliged to follow morals in operations, firms often act against societal expectations. For instance, in 1988, multinational firms in the US and Britain dumped toxic wastes in West African states such as Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau due to rising costs of waste disposal. Conclusion Generally, multinational corporations have moral obligation to the society. In fact, critics argue that MNCs often trade in products that are unsuitable and harmful to the natives of host nations. Additionally, critics argue that multinational en terprises normally undermine the guidelines put in place to protect the rights of workers in host nations. On the other hand, fans of MNCs note that multinational enterprises are significant in the development of host nations through creation of employment opportunities as well as returning earnings within the precincts of societal anticipations to promote background institutions, legal obligations, morals as well as social corporate responsibility. Essentially, respect for core human values, local traditions and belief in the contemporary context when making decisions are critical in shaping ethical conduct of multinational firms. Essentially, lack of clear moral obligations is to blame for the unethical behaviors of MNCs ranging from exploitation of resources, lack of respect for core human rights and cultures. Therefore, multinational enterprises have moral obligations to fulfill in global operations including respecting human values and labor laws. Works Cited Arnold, Denis. â⠂¬Å"Libetarian Theories of the Corporation and Global Capitalism.† Journal of Business Ethics, 48.2 (2003), 155-173. Print. Donaldson, Thomas. â€Å"Rights in Global Market Place.† The Academy of Management Review, 20.1 (1990), 65-91. Print. Falkenberg, Andreas Wyller. â€Å"When in Rome. â€Å"Moral Maturity and Ethics for International Economic Organization.† Journal of Business Ethics, 54.1 (2004), 17-32. Print. Hsieh, Nien-he. â€Å"Does Business have a Responsibility to Promote Just Institutions?† Business Ethics Quarterly, 19.2 (2009), 251-273. Print. O’Neil, Onora. â€Å"Agents of Justice.† Metaphilosophy, 32.2 (2001), 180–195. Print. Velasquez, Manuel. â€Å"International Business, Morality and the Common Good.† Business Ethics Quarterly, 2.1 (1992), 27-40. Print. 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Critical Thinking 3 Essay Example

Critical Thinking 3 Essay Example Critical Thinking 3 Essay Critical Thinking 3 Essay Essay Topic: Critical Thinking Critical Thinking Questions: Week 3 Name: Course: Date: Critical Thinking Questions: Week 3 Chapter 7 – Designing for Problem Solving1. Describe a Policy Problem that you might assign a learner, using an actual issue that’s being debated in today’s political news. How would you solve the problem? The issue of abortion has been among the most controversial issues around the world given the presence of both opposing and supporting sides of the policy. The solution to this problem would be achieved through the evaluation of the positive and negative attributes of either the opposing or the supporting sides. This is further dependent on individual opinions and beliefs towards the issue. Hence, individuals assume positions based on their beliefs and opinions. The benefits and demerits of a policy determine its acceptance or denial by the students (Reiser, Dempsey, 2002).2. Why does the author state that problem solving is the most natural, complex, and meaningful kind of learning/thinking activity? Do you agree or disagree? Explain I agree with the author’s view that â€Å"problem solving is the most natural, complex, and meaningful kind of learning/thinking activity† because of the ability of learners to use such platforms to develop their rational capacities (Cavanaugh, 2004). This is because ability to make decisions and solve problems results in growth in ability to make similar as well as complex decisions and solutions for such levels of problems. Humans possess cognitive abilities which they use in solving problems. Rationality is based on use of experiences as a means of developing solutions related to such a situation. Hence, a solution to a problem is usually developed based on the use of experiences and the skills for development of solutions gained through problem solving (Newby, 2006).Chapter 8 – Instructional Theory and Technology for a Postindustrial World1.What other characteristics of the learning process and learning environment do can you envision for a postindustrial par adigm of instruction? What are some of the barriers to making this type of instruction a reality? The post-industrial educational system is as a result of the changes or shift from an industrial society to a postindustrial society. This has resulted in new educational systems such as distance learning, home-schooling volunteering and internships. It is an indication of a shift from necessity of physical attendance into institutions (Reiser, Dempsey, 2002). The barriers to the full utilization of the post industrial system are the reluctance to change from the traditional industrial system. This is because the industrial system is considered as providing employment to a sizeable number of individuals both directly and indirectly (Cavanaugh, 2004).2. What are some ways that technology can make post-industrial instruction easier on teachers? Include examples not given in the chapter. In what ways might it make it more difficult? Technology could provide teachers with the ability to make specialized teaching to individual students such as through distance learning. It could also provide teachers and learners with an avenue for interactions on a professional level in issues related to coursework or educational activities. This provides teachers with the ability to cultivate the interests of the students towards educational activities. Hence, this has potency to improve productivity from an educational perspective (Newby, 2006). Technology could also make this more difficult. In a case where training is not done correctly, technology is rendered useless as its use becomes difficult.Chapter 9 – Motivation, Volition, and Performance 1. Compare and contrast motivation with volition. What are some ways that they can interact to support or diminish one another? Motivation is the enthusiasm or drive towards the achievement of set goals and objectives or aspirations, whereas volition is termed as the individual will towards achievement of set goals and objectives. Volition is also termed as a process which transitions form actual intention to behavior towards the achievement of specific goals and objectives. On the other hand, motivation is termed as a process, which enables the development of behavioral intentions towards achievement certain goals and objectives (Reiser, Dempsey, 2002). 2. Applying volition strategies effectively can also be related to â€Å"good work habits†. What are some strategies that one might apply to strengthen their volition? How can these strategies be promoted through an online course? Decision making process is delicate towards the achievement of certain goals and objectives. Volition could be strengthened through the establishment of precise goals and objectives for achievement (Newby, 2006). Motivation could be used to strengthen volition for achievement of set our goals and objectives. In addition, another strategy includes the use of timelines for achievement of goals and objectives to ensure that an individual is able to strengthen his or her volition.

Earth Embankment Dam Filters With reference to journal papers (a Essay

Earth Embankment Dam Filters With reference to journal papers (a minimum of 3) and text books (a maximum of 3), discuss the late - Essay Example Some of the causes of embankment include embankment deformations under static loading, which occur due to volumetric changes, tangential and shear displacements within the embankment and groundwork materials. This study establishes that the volumetric changes are due to either a raise in the normal stresses on a soil constituent, which causes a decrease in void volume, or dilation of soil rudiments undergoing shear (INDRARATNA, & ASHOK, 2006). The riskiest event of an embankment dam is when it overtops beyond its spillways thus causing the ultimate failure. What is the purpose of upstream and downstream filters? Upstream can be defined a course away from the supply of power in a fluid system under the pretext of an embankment dam. In other words, downstream in a hydraulic structure is in the same bearing as the fluid is moving. To start with, the purpose of the downstream filters involves upgrading the dams intended to meet the safety standards. It is imperative to note that retrofit ting stepped up spillways to the dam is the most recent and accepted method, where when the waters flows down a stepped spillways, the water surface changes from a smooth surface to a rough surface with visible white water (INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON LARGE DAMS, 1994). Designing of the stepped spillways, and stilling basins finds the knowledge of the beginning of the white water fundamental. This paper indicates that stepped spillways used to embankment dams particularly on the downward filtering have become a common phenomenon with the rehabilitation of aging watershed dams more particularly those experiencing a hazard classification change from low to high hazard (PERRY, 2007). This study finds that the initiation point is significant region for a spillway design factor applied in energy debauchery and entrainment forecast associations. For instance, Chanson developed an inception point correlation for gravity stepped; spillways with an ogee crest control section. However, Chan son’s correlation tends to overvalue the distance from the downstream periphery of a broad-crested barrier to the inception point for stepped spillways with is presented by () when the Froude surface coarseness is less than 10 (PERRY, 2007). Meireles and Matos maximized Chanson's association for broad-crested weir stepped spillways retrofitted for embankment dams (PERRY, 2007). There are numerous new associations for projecting the original point location for broad-crested step spillways classically designed for embankment dams for a extensive range of flow conditions such that the F*? 100 and Froude surface roughness ?100. Upstream can be defined as a course towards the spring of power in a fluid structure in the context of an embankment dam. Upstream in a hydraulic system is in the direction from which the fluid is coming (PERRY, 2007). It is imperative to note that, both the downward and upward streams filters are fundamental in numerous functions, which include acting as cut offs, casing, slope protection, surface drainage and as impervious blanket. How are such filters designed? This study intends to consider the design of these filters that makes them perform the listed functions in the current dynamic environmental changes. Cut off The cut off is significant in plummeting the loss of stored water through foundations and abutments. In addition, it prevents sub-surface erosion by piping (PERRY, 2007). The design that fits makes this filters to function