Bus230 Ð'- Unit 1 Db

BUS230 Ð'- UNIT 1 DB

Debate the ethics of doing business in countries with totalitarian governments on the Discussion Board. Comment on opposing arguments, looking for holes and inconsistencies. Attempt to answer any arguments that are presented against your side of the argument.

A totalitarian government is a form of government that theoretically permits no individual freedom and that seeks to subordinate all aspects of the individual's life to the authority of the government (Encyclopedia Britannica Online, 2007).

Doing business with another country that is run by a totalitarian government can swing both ways. The rewards can be great. Unfortunately, the consequences can be great too.

Most totalitarian countries suffer great poverty. By doing business with these poor countries, one could possibly help the country and their people. Businesses need a workforce in order to operate and make profits. This benefits a country's inhabitants by delivering employment to struggling families, thus enabling a population's survival.

On the down-side, some totalitarian countries force their people (residents) to live and work in labor camps (slave-labor). A large number of children are also forced to work, even though they are extremely underage. The people who live in these totalitarian countries have no choice. Their government tells them where they will work, how long they will work and what duties they are to perform (employment).

Doing business with totalitarian countries is not always the right thing to do. The United States conducts business with China, even though China's totalitarian government takes part in child labor. Child labor is not morally right. Forcing someone to do something against their will is not ethical. Benefiting from one's torment and misery is damning.

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