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AROUND THE GLOBE
If ethical issues are complex for companies doing business just
in the United States, they are even more so for companies that
operate internationally. One of the most frequently asked questions
is how these companies can maintain integrity, when dealing
in countries whose traditions and business practices are seemingly
disparate from ours. "Most of the values necessary for an
ethical business are values that can be embraced by people and
are consistent with cultural mores," said Knapp. Living by these
standards gives the company leeway to be ethical, but conduct
business according to local standards. Olson noted that "Nike
worked out its child labor issues that way, by finding creative
solutions and moving toward aspirations that are in the ideal."
While people are generally more aware of the importance of
ethics, surveys continue to show there is still a great mistrust of
corporate institutions by all Americans. The World Economic
Forum’s 2005 global opinion survey said there was “an alarming
picture of declining trust” in institutions. Even high school
students polled recently by the Better Business Bureau said that
they didn’t think corporate America could be trusted. And,
while many had trouble identifying the “good guys” in business,
the students could easily name the corporate culprits.
HIGH PRAISE
With all these issues permeating American business and
society as a whole, it is no surprise that the Southern Institute’s
work has been highly sought after and highly praised
by civic and business leaders.
 Said Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, “The Institute is helping
shape this region’s character as a place where we learn
from each other and pursue a shared vision based on common
values.”
David Ratcliffe, CEO of Southern Company, noted, “The
greatest value the Southern Institute has provided is the
opportunity for us as leaders to share best practices with
our peers in a very tangible way and, on a personal level, to
associate with peers in leadership positions who are trying
to find accountability and living those values.”
With these and many more accolades, there is no doubt
that, as Robinson Dean H. Fenwick Huss said, “The Southern
Institute puts Robinson on the leading edge of ethics
education and will help the College provide global companies
the type of ethical leadership necessary for them to
thrive in the 21st century.”
For more information, the Southern Institute can be found
at www.robinson.gsu.edu/ethics.
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