(2.) Health Care
There is debate on whether or not health care is a universal right that should be provided by governments. In your discussion post, identify the ethical, societal, and global issues involved in this debate. Explain the moral basis for your opinion on the topic, relating it to your fundamental values and principles. Distinguish this issue as a global ethical issue or a business ethical issue.
Support your position with one or more article(s) from the Ashford Library or other scholarly sources.

Learning Outcomes

This week students will:

1. Describe the impact of globalization on business ethics.
2. Distinguish global ethical issues from business ethical issues.
3. Identify the influence of multinational corporations on business ethics.
4. Develop a Code of Ethics.

Introduction

In Week Six the focus will be on the effect of globalization on business ethics. Students will establish an understanding of how economic and cultural differences may mitigate ethical dilemmas in pursuing global business. Students will also examine how The International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organization (WTO), and the United Nations (UN), work to define and shape international business.

Required Resources

Required Text

1. Read the following chapter from Business Ethics & Social Responsibility:
   1. Chapter 10: Business Ethics in a Global Economy

Recommended Resources

Articles

1. UN Global Impact & the International Finance Corporation (2009).Corporate governance: The Foundation for Corporate Citizenship and Sustainable Business [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www.gcgf.org/wps/wcm/connect/a2b5ef8048a7e2db96cfd76060ad5911/IFC_UNGC_brochure.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

Multimedia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT51QegYHZ8

In order to get a feel of how health care differs from country to country, check out the US vs Other Nations chart, on the PBS NewsHour Website. Click on the link below and choose various countries to compare policies and health care systems.

Click here for thePBS HealthCare Chart

GLOBALIZATIONISSUES:

Advances in communication, technology, and transportation have further minimized the world’s borders, creating an ever more interconnected global economy.Chapter10discusses how transactions across international boundaries define global business, and how the variety of cultures and expectations around the globe complicates the topic of business ethics. International businesspeople must understand the values, cultures, and ethical standards of his or her home country, as well as every country in which his or her firm conducts business. Formal codes of conduct are less common internationally, and the topics of principle concern shift between countries and across time. Major concerns today involve global risks, legal approaches to business ethics, and compliance measures. Insufficient understanding of the complexity of global business can destroy trust and do lasting damage to a firm. This chapter examines these topics, as well as the role of international organizations like the IMF, the UN, and the WTO in shaping international business. It will help students to learn about the cultural differences between nations and how they can affect common business practices, as well as to gain a general awareness of global ethical issues. This chapter aims to help students understand, and possibly avoid, the ethical quagmires that exist in the global business environment.

HEALTH CARE ISSUES:

We also learn about the ongoing controversy surrounding Health Care. Here’s an exercise to get you started with this section. Please post your responses on DQ2, under the heading “Exercise Responses”.

Many people have indicated in national polls and surveys that they agree with some form of basic health insurance for all US Citizens. But, what constitutes “Basic” health insurance? Should any treatment be offered to everyone, or do we draw the line at some point? Should there be any out of pocket expense, or should the government pay for all treatment?

Read the following cases and tell us whether you consider the required treatment to be one where health care is a right or a privilege.

1 – Jim breaks his leg, and requires a cast.

2 – Sara is due to receive a Polio vaccine.

3 – Sharon has difficulty getting pregnant, and would like to try in vitro fertilization to help her conceive.

4 – Kara has smoked for 20 years, and now has lung cancer. Doctors recommend surgery.

5 – Jenny is depressed and on several anti-depressant meds. She would like to see a psychiatrist.