Business ethics
Last Tuesday in class a guest speaker from career center lectured regarding business ethics especially on job search. He talked about several things related to job research matters. After his speech, we had the Wall Street Journal work-place ethics quiz. Though our answers were a little bit different from surveys, it was pretty interesting document. I was astonished by sight that many of other students agreed with 50$ or 100$ on the question7 which asks " what's the value at which a gift from a supplier or client becomes troubling?" . Because in my country, Korea, we have fixed rule that exceed 30$ from a supplier or client is regarded as illegal. I underwent cultural difference from this point of view once more.
Comments
Posted by: Dan McCandless
Posted on: November 4, 2005 11:59 PM
That's really interesting that there are laws about that sort of thing in Korea. I guess it really is a cultural perspective. To me, it depends so much on the situation. If it is someone expressing their gratitude, that's fine by my standards. However, if it is clear that they want to coerce you to do something, then it is clearly unethical.
Posted by: Kimberly Sullivan
Posted on: November 7, 2005 12:15 AM
Wow, that is very interesting that there is such a cultural difference. I suppose that is the "unwritten" rule here in America, but there is no such law. It is weird though, because holiday gifts in offices do often exceed $30, and they are only as a thank you. I suppose that situation is different, and I am curious as to how that would be accepted in Korea.
Posted by: Bob Barker
Posted on: November 20, 2005 08:09 PM
Well after a decade in Korea let me explain this law. This law is just like any other law in Korea, it is placed on paper to make a few people feel good but NEVER enforced. In fact, a gift of only $30 will often be considered an insult, especially if given to a politician. If you want to get anything done in this country, gifts (aka bribs) are the way to go, and the more you give the more you can get. Just look at all the politicians being investigated for recieveing bribes.