Towards a system of global ethics in international business: a Rawlsian manifesto

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to use Rawls's principles of justice to develop a system of global ethics that can be used to govern international business practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical synopsis of Rawls's political philosophy is provided, his application in prior business ethics literature is reviewed, and a Rawlsian‐inflected ethics for conducting international business practices is outlined.

Findings

This paper concludes that Rawls's philosophical insights have significant relevance for the conduct of contemporary international business; that through critical engagement of Rawls's ideas there emerges the potential for international business to be predicated on social justice values.

Originality/value

This paper offers the first substantive attempt to elucidate the conditions under which international business is rendered to be consistent with Rawls's principles of justice.

Citation

Prasad, A. (2008), "Towards a system of global ethics in international business: a Rawlsian manifesto", Management Decision, Vol. 46 No. 8, pp. 1166-1174. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740810901363