When you do business around the world, whose values, culture, and, ultimately, laws do you follow? In a global economy, conscientious organizations and individuals face this perplexing problem: Do you heed the customs of your country or those of the host country? Despite a slew of international antigraft laws, corrupt payments are $"$an unspoken rule" in China, for example. In real estate and construction, $38$ to $44$ percent of U$.$S$.$ companies cite "competitive pressure" to justify grease payments and gifts to officials to operate. As companies do more and more business around the globe, their assumptions about ethics are put to the test. Businesspeople may face simple questions regarding the appropriate amount of money to spend on a business gift or the legitimacy of payments to agents and distributors to "expedite" business. They may also encounter out$-$and$-$out bribery, child$-$labor abuse, environment mistreatment, and unscrupulous business practices. Despite recent pressure toward loosening enforcement of bribery abroad, the ethics of U$.$S$.$ businesses are being scrutinized by lawmakers who want to punish not only the payer of a bribe but the recipient as well.

Discussion Question

Considering violators of laws or company policy such as mega companies such as "Walmart" can get in big trouble, as Walmart did in Brazil and other countries. What is your opinion and position on the subject?