Ethical Issues Faced By Americans Overseas Essay Example

local laws. Regulations regarding matters such as bribery or corruption may differ between the United States and the host country.

The United States foreign corrupt practices acts provide guidance on what is acceptable or punishable when working abroad, but this may vary greatly in different countries. To address this, the Economic Cooperation and Development organization formulated a corruption treaty outlining a unified code of ethics for individuals working internationally. Americans employed by multinational corporations that violate local or international laws, or engage in activities contrary to US laws or policies, may face ethical dilemmas in determining right from wrong. For instance, collaborating with local criminal organizations could place Americans in challenging situations regarding their ethical standards. Additionally, working conditions and regulations set by both the host country and the United States can differ significantly.

When Americans work overseas, they might encounter inadequate living and working conditions or end up working for an unethical company that exploits child labor in factories. To tackle this problem, Americans should get acquainted with the employment practices of prospective employers prior to accepting a job offer. Furthermore, it is crucial for them to educate themselves about the host country in order to anticipate and be ready for any potential difficulties. Apart from unexpected work and living circumstances, everyday life in a foreign nation can present ethical dilemmas that test one's moral principles.

When Americans are not working, they often encounter cultural differences that vary greatly from those in the US. These differences can involve gender expectations, especially in countries with strict religious beliefs that limit women's rights. Another challenge arises when it comes to local cuisine, as Americans may be offered unusual dishes

like horse or whale meat, which are rarely eaten in the US. Despite these challenges, Americans working abroad must respect foreign cultures and refrain from passing judgment, recognizing that these customs are simply unfamiliar in the US.

In contrast to the US, health and safety concerns pose significant issues for American workers overseas. This includes the lack of access to safe drinking water in developing countries without proper sewage systems, resulting in contaminated water supplies. Additionally, using restrooms may present ethical dilemmas. Therefore, it is vital for American workers to learn how to address these health and safety issues before or during their time abroad.

Possible remedies

There is no universally agreed-upon set of guidelines or principles to address ethical dilemmas faced by Americans working abroad. However, there are general moral norms that can be considered as potential remedies for many ethical issues. These include always paying taxes to the host country, respecting the local cultures by collaborating with them, and cooperating with the local government in its enforcement activities. In essence, there are several common-sense principles or guidelines that can help resolve ethical dilemmas for Americans abroad. These include obeying the laws of the host country, being truthful to build trust, showing respect to others, engaging in participatory actions rather than paternalism, and ensuring that no harm is done to the human rights or well-being of the host country (Shaw ; Barry, 2015).

Conclusion

It is crucial to educate Americans operating overseas about the customs and practices of their destination countries even before they enter these foreign environments.

Different cultures have diverse ways of operating, which can have either a positive or negative influence. This depends on one's adaptability to

foreign environments. To build trust and goodwill while operating in a foreign country and to reduce or eliminate ethical issues, early preparation, learning the host language, and respecting other people's cultures and beliefs without imposing American culture are helpful measures (Kohls, 2011; Shaw ; Barry, 2015).