The Ethics of International Business (The Ruffin Series in Business Ethics)

Rating:
Summary: Difficult, but rewarding
Review: I use this book in a graduate class in international business. MBA students struggle with it, and I have to teach pretty actively in order to identify the core argument for them. But they eventually understand it, and many find it the most rewarding book they read in the class.

The structure of Donaldson's reasoning is beautiful, and the algorithm gives useful guidance toward RESOLVING ethical dilemmas in international business. Donaldson believes businesses have ethical responsibilities in international settings, but what they are isn't always obvious. The context matters, for this author; neither transporting American ethics abroad nor "doing what the Romans do while in Rome" works properly.

Besides his ethical algorithm (specific guidance for resolving ethical dilemmas), Donaldson contributes a list of 10 "fundamental international rights" and the duties they imply for multinational corporations. An important book in the field, and very satisfying.