3M Tries to Make a Difference in Russia - Essay Example

Not because the way things are done in Russia is different from what 3M is accustomed to, it should already mean that the organization should not do business there – most especially if there are vast opportunities in the Russian market that could be tapped and ventured on. 3M must simply understand which cultural practices must be respected and could not be changed in their entirety. As a multinational organization that operates in other parts of the world, it already has vast experience and understanding of cultural diversities and how they can adapt and adjust to the way of life to succeed in Russia.

2. 3M should do business in Russia but not meddle in Russian culture. "When in Russia, do things the Russian way." Explain your rationale.
Honestly, I strongly believe that 3M could do business in Russia provided that they respect the cultural values and traditions of its people. Being an organization that promotes ethical behavior, I am sure that they have acknowledged which cultural beliefs need to be accepted and could not be meddled with. As such, by respecting the cultural norms and beliefs of the Russians, including business practices, 3M could be assured that they will proceed with smooth business interactions within the ethical standards and moral codes of discipline.
3. 3M has a basic moral responsibility to improve the ethical climate in foreign countries where it does business. Explain your rationale.
The moral codes of conduct, as well as ethical standards in business, are more or less universal in perspectives. 3M, as the investing organization in Russia, has the obligation to adhere to moral, ethical and social responsibilities as an employer and therefore, could expect employees to conform to these obligations. In so doing, by the rules of being role models, 3M could improve the ethical climate in foreign countries where it does business with.

4. 3M should find a practical middle ground between the American and Russian ways of doing business. How should that happen?
It is one’s contention that a practical middle ground could be established by finding an effective and acceptable balance between American and Russian ways of doing business – that is amenable to both. Nothing is actually impossible when issues or concerns are openly communicated and negotiated. Part of doing business globally is to forge agreements between the investing organization and that of the host country where policies, procedures and regulations are amenable to both – under a code of discipline and using ethical and moral codes of conduct.

5. Invent other options. Discuss.
Other options open to multinational organizations are making previous research and evaluations on the cultural beliefs, traditions and business practices of other countries. If the target countries practice basically the same traditions as the investing organizations, then, it is time to go through with deciding on doing business in that country. Otherwise, if the cultural orientations and other external risks are drastically antithetical, then, it might be best not to decide to do business in that country.