This entry is an example of a cross-cultural examination of ethics memo that I produced for English 7705, Ethics in Technical and

Professional Communication. This entry was produced according to these parameters: Research and report on how a different cultural tradition (not associated with traditional Western perspectives) addresses ethics Use memo format to compare and contrast this cultural traditional with historically Western perspectives of ethics Include citations from a minimum of 5 sources Use APA style for in-text citations Word length500-750 This entry is included in the portfolio because it shows my ability to: Conduct scholarly research Synthesize information from secondary sources Discuss how another cultural traditional addresses ethics Compare and contrast two perspectives in scholarly manner Demonstrate cultural sensitivity Understand and write for a specific audience Use Microsoft Word to format the document according to the specifications of the instructor In preparing this item, I drew extensively from: Beekun, R. I. & Badawi, J. A. (2005). Balancing ethical responsibility among multiple organizational stakeholders: The Islamic perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 60, 131-145. DOI: 10.1007/s10551-004-8204-5 Kim, D., Fisher, D. & McCalman, D. (2009). Modernism, Christianity, ethics: A worldview perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 90, 115-121. DOI: 10.1007/s10551-009-0031-2. Rice, G. (1999). Islamic ethics and the implications for business. Journal of Business Ethics, 18, 345-358. Tahir, A. & Sohail, M. (2012). The concept of ethical life in Islam. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 3, 1360-1369. Retrieved from http://ijcrb.webs.com/ Weaver, G. (2001). Ethics programs in global businesses: Cultures role in managing ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 30, 3-15. Retrieved from http://www.springer.com/social+sciences/applied+ethics/journal/10551

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Tecarra L. Sutton English 7705 Instructor: Kirk St. Amant Cross Cultural Examination Memo Submitted on 4 June 2012

Sutton 3 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Summary The purpose of this memo is to examine the cultural-ethical system of Islamic culture and determine how Islamic culture compares and contrasts to Anglo-U.S. culture. The Islamic cultural-ethical system will be explored in terms of general theory and business practices. After both cultures are reviewed for their similarities and differences, suggestions will be provided to assist members of Anglo-U.S. culture in addressing cultural differences with diplomacy. Cultural Review For the purpose of this memo, I have decided to review the cultural-ethical system of Islam. In Islamic culture, all of the goals of Islam and guidelines for ethical behavior are determined by the Quran or holy book of the Muslim people (Tahir & Sohail, 2012). The Islamic ethical system is comprised of three central concepts that serve to guide Muslims in their daily lives and business practices (Rice, 1999). These central concepts include unity, trusteeship, and justice (Beekun & Badawi, 2005). An important Islamic philosophy, unity refers to the oneness that one should seek with God, his brethren, and the universe (Rice, 1999). Muslim people should seek a close relationship with their creator and strive to follow his will. By the same token, followers of the Islamic faith must forge strong bonds with their fellow man (Rice, 1999). As Muslims work toward an intimate relationship with God and others, they are also uniting themselves with the universe and achieving ultimate balance (Rice, 1999). This concept of unity is especially important in business. In business, people should work to follow the Islamic principle of unity by participating in prayer during work hours, treating co-workers with respect, and taking care to be conscious of preserving the environment (Beekun & Badawi, 2005). Other business practices that fall under the philosophy of unity include teamwork, high quality of work, and positive reinforcement for excellent performance (Beekun & Badawi, 2005). Under the Islamic concept of trusteeship, one does not claim ownership of resources and wealth. God is the sole owner of all things and simply appoints his servants as trustees (Rice, 1999). As trustees, Muslims are expected to follow the Qurans ethical guidelines and accept responsibility for their actions on earth (Rice, 1999). In addition, trustees of wealth must use their resources wisely, avoid conspicuous consumption and provide for those who cannot provide for themselves (Rice, 1999). Justice is another principle of the Islamic ethical system that encourages Muslims to be honest and fair in their personal and business dealings (Beekun & Badawi, 2005). The Islamic faith advocates for equality and balance in all aspects of life (Tahir & Sohail, 2012). Furthermore, Muslims should not lie, cheat, or engage in immoral business practices. Immoral business Kirk St. Amant Tecarra Sutton 4 June 2012 Writing for a Specific Audience Memo

Sutton 4 practices include extortion, unfulfilled promises, broken contracts, and the hoarding of goods (Beekun & Badawi, 2005). Comparing Cultures The Islamic cultural-ethical system is similar to the Anglo-U.S. system in the area of justice. Like the Anglo-U.S. cultural ethical system, the Islamic ethical code places high value on equality, honesty, and taking care of those who are unable to provide for themselves (Kim, Fisher & McCalman, 2009). Although Western society has shifted from a religious ethical foundation to a more modern foundation, principles of equality, honesty, and charity can all fall under the Golden Rule (Kim, Fisher & McCalman, 2009). The Golden Rule suggests that one should treat others as she or he would like to be treated and is found in nearly every religion (Kim, Fisher & McCalman, 2009). Other similarities between the two cultural-ethical systems include the acceptance of attaining wealth and owning private property (Beekun & Badawi, 2005). While the Anglo-U.S. and Islamic cultural-ethical systems share some similarities, there are quite a few differences in their ethical practices. Because Islamic culture places a great deal of emphasis on the teachings of Quran, certain business practices that would be permissible in the U.S. would be frowned upon in the Islamic culture. For example, the idea of luxuries, such as spending company money on free vacations and extravagant gifts, does not bode well in Islamic culture (Rice, 1999). Under the principle of trusteeship and justice, it is dishonorable to waste resources and display excessive wealth (Rice, 1999). Also, business practices that are usually viewed as unethical but are permitted in the Anglo-U.S. cultural-ethical system, such as stealing a contract by offering a lower price to a client or misrepresenting information to maintain an image, would not be allowed under the Islamic ethical system(Beekun & Badawi, 2005). The two systems differ because unlike the Anglo-U.S. cultural-ethical system, the Islamic culture bases their ethical behavior on religious teachings (Tahir & Sohail, 2012). A faithful Muslim should live his or her life as directed by the Quran, and this belief permeates every aspect of Islamic life (Rice, 1999). In order to avoid miscommunication and promote harmonious relationships between these two cultural groups, it is important to understand the differences and similarities in ethical practices. Addressing Differences In order to address the cultural differences that exist between Anglo-U.S, and Islamic cultures, individuals must be diplomatic in their approach to ethical situations. The biggest difference in the ethical practices of Anglo-U.S. and Islamic cultures lies in the significance of religion (Weaver, 2001). When dealing with those of Islamic faith, one should be sure to learn the basic principles of the Quran and how those principles effect how ethical decisions are made (Weaver, 2001). If one is knowledgeable of some aspects of the Islamic faith, culturally inappropriate mistakes can be avoided. One should: Treat all Islamic people with fairness and equality. Do not provide special privileges for people based on their status or wealth. Respect their need to observe their religious practices at work. Refrain from ostentatious behavior.

Sutton 5 Provide high quality products or services. Practice honesty in all business practices, especially negotiation and contractual business.

Sutton 6 References Beekun, R. I. & Badawi, J. A. (2005). Balancing ethical responsibility among multiple organizational stakeholders: The Islamic perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 60, 131-145. DOI: 10.1007/s10551-004-8204-5 Kim, D., Fisher, D. & McCalman, D. (2009). Modernism, Christianity, ethics: A worldview perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 90, 115-121. DOI: 10.1007/s10551-009-0031-2. Rice, G. (1999). Islamic ethics and the implications for business. Journal of Business Ethics, 18, 345-358. Tahir, A. & Sohail, M. (2012). The concept of ethical life in Islam. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 3, 1360-1369. Retrieved from http://ijcrb.webs.com/ Weaver, G. (2001). Ethics programs in global businesses: Cultures role in managing ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 30, 3-15. Retrieved from http://www.springer.com/social+sciences/applied+ethics/journal/10551