Exam 2 Takehome Portion
Cecil the Lion
25 points
During our class discussion on the culture of countries, we talked about the need for managers to be mindful of the cultures of other countries when conducting international business. We learned that there were three perspectives that one might take concerning the sensitivity shown to other cultures: parochialism, ethnocentrism and geocentrism.
About six years ago there was a controversy that erupted in the United States and other countries around the world about the killing of an African lion affectionately known as Cecil. Google "Cecil the Lion" to learn more about this incident and see just how widespread this controversy was at that time.
During a later class discussion on ethics, we defined business ethics as the moral thinking and analyses by corporate decision-makers regarding the motives and consequences of their decisions and actions. We then provided a number of different perspectives that are useful for managers as a guide when making ethical decisions.
Many times, organizational cultures and ethics collide. Read the article (found in the file above) After the Killing of Cecil the Lion, Delta takes Action, to learn about one American based company that presumably believed it was acting in an ethical, socially responsible manner.
Next read the articles Don’t Cry for Cecil the
Lion and Six Lions found Dead in Ugandan National Park (note the
photo credit in the second article).
Critically evaluate the controversy over the killing of Cecil within the context of what you have learned about international culture, ethics and social responsibility. What is your view about the actions taken by Delta (and other American companies) to try and discourage big game trophy hunting in Africa? Support your arguments using the principles we’ve discussed in class.
Submit your paper as a word document before 11 a.m. on Friday, April 23.