Scenario: A multinational corporation $($MNC$)$ has several foreign subsidiaries and subcontractors in various countries. The MNC is committed to upholding ethical standards and ensuring that working conditions meet the basic rights and dignity of employees. To achieve this, they have established minimal acceptable standards and implemented regular audits of their foreign operations.

Question: In the context of the scenario, what is the primary ethical responsibility of the multinational corporation?

To prioritize profit maximization over ethical considerations in foreign subsidiaries.

To tolerate poor working conditions in foreign operations to maintain cost$-$effectiveness.

To avoid any involvement in foreign operations and subcontractors to prevent ethical concerns.

To establish and enforce minimal acceptable standards to protect employee rights and dignity.