Case Dissection:
Foreign Assignment,
As the "lady banker", should you accept that it is the Mexican culture and go with it, should you try to fight against the Mexican culture and try to make them more like us, or should you simply give up on Mexico and come back home to what you know?
Explain the case from Kant's point of view
Ethical Issues in International Business 627 Communities . collaborate with those forces in the community dedicated to raising standards of health, educa- We believe that as global corporate citizens tion, workplace safety and economic well being; we can contribute to such forces of reform promote and stimulate sustainable development and human rights as are at work in the com- and play a leading role in preserving and en- hancing the physical environment and conserv- munities in which we operate. We therefore ing the earth's resources; have a responsibility in those communities to: support peace, security, diversity and social inte- gration: respect human rights and democratic institu- * respect the integrity of local cultures; and tions, and promote them wherever practicable; be a good corporate citizen through charitable * recognize government's legitimate obligation to donations, educational and cultural contribu- the society at large and support public policies tions, and employee participation in community and practices that promote human develop- and civic affairs. ment through harmonious relations between business and other segments of society; CASES CASE 1. Foreign Assignment Sara Strong graduated with an MBA from decisions on the work that she did were han- UCLA four years ago. She immediately took a dled by male representatives of the bank sta- job in the correspondent bank section of the toned in Mexico. Security Bank of the American Continent. A successful foreign assignment was an im- Sara was assigned to work on issues pertain- portant step for those on the *fast track" at ing to relationships with correspondent the bank. Sara applied for a position in Cen- banks in Latin America. She rose rapidly in tral or South America and was delighted the section and received three good promo- when she was assigned to the bank's office in tions in three years. She consistently got high Mexico City. The office had about twenty ratings from her superiors, and she received bank employees and was headed by William particularly high marks for her professional Vitam. The Mexico City office was seen as a demeanor. preferred assignment by young executives at In her initial position with the bank, Sara the bank. was required to travel to Mexico on several After a month, Sara began to encounter occasions. She was always accompanied by a problems. She found it difficult to be effect male colleague even though she generally tive in dealing with Mexican bankers - the handled similar business by herself on trips clients. They appeared reluctant to accept within the United States. During her tips to her authority, and they would often bypass Mexico she observed that Mexican bankers her in important matters. The problem was seemed more aware of her being a woman exacerbated by Vitam's compliance in her and were personally solicitous to her, but she being bypassed. When she asked that the didn't discern any major problems. The final clients be referred back to her, Vitam This case was prepared by Thomas Dunfee and Diana Robertson, The Wharton School.628 Ethical Issues in International Business replied, "Of course, that isn't really practi- stations at the entrance of the office. They cal." Vitam made matters worse by patroniz were required to wear standard uniforms that ing her in front of clients and by referring to were colorful and slightly sexy. Sara protested her as "my cute assistant" and "our lady the requirement that uniforms be wom be- banker." Vitam never did this when only cause (1) they were inconsistent to the image Americans were present and in fact treated of the banking business and (2) they were de- her professionally and with respect in inter- meaning to the women who had to wear them. nal situations. Vitam just curtly replied that he had received a Sara finally complained to Vitam that he lot of favorable comments about the uniforms was undermining her authority and effective- from clients of the bank. ness; she asked him in as positive a manner as Several months later, Sara had what she possible to help her. Vitam listened carefully thought would be a good opportunity to deal to Sara's complaints, then replied, "I'm glad with the problem. Tom Fried, an executive that you brought this up, because I've been vice president who had been a mentor for meaning to sit down and talk to you about my her since she arrived at the bank, was coming little game playing in front of the clients. Let to Mexico City; she arranged a private confer- me be frank with you. Our clients think ence with him. She described her problems you're great, but they just don't understand a and explained that she was not able to be ef- woman in authority, and you and I aren't fective in this environment and that she wor- going to be able to change their attitudes ried that it would have a negative effect on overnight. As long as the clients see you as my her chance of promotion within the bank. assistant and deferring to me, they can do Fried was very careful in his response. He business with you. I'm willing to give you as spoke of certain "realities" that the bank had much responsibility as they can handle your to respect. and he urged her to "see it having. I know you can handle it. But we just through" even though he could understand have to tread carefully. You and I know that how she would feel that things weren't fair. my remarks in front of clients don't mean Sara found herself becoming more aggres- anything. They're just a way of playing the sive and defensive in her meetings with Vitam game Latin style. I know it's frustrating for and her clients. Several clients asked that you, but I really need you to support me on other bank personnel handle their trans- this. It's not going to affect your promotions. actions. Sara has just received an Average You just have to act like it's my responsibil rating, which noted "the beginnings of a neg- ity." Sara replied that she would uy to cooper- ative attitude about the bank and its policies." ate, but that basically she found her role de- meaning. As time went on, Sara found that the pa- Questions tronizing actions in front of clients bothered her more and more. She spoke to Vitam 1. What obligations does an international again, but he was firm in his position and company have to ensure that its employ- ees are not harmed, for instance, by urged her to try to be a little more flexible, having their chances for advancement even a little more "feminine." limited by the social customs of a host Sara also had a problem with Vitam over country? policy. The Mexico City office had five 2. What international moral code, if any, is younger women who worked as receptionists being violated by Security Bank of the and secretaries. They were all situated at work American Continent
