A Comparison of Business Ethics in China, Japan, and Korea

Abstract

This study investigates business ethics (BE) practices in three East-Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea) through a questionnaire survey conducted in the years of 2014 and 2015. Specifically, ethical attitudes of employees working in major native companies in each mentioned country are studied. In detail, the study examines (1) respondents’ responsibility felt toward various stakeholder groups, (2) the existence of unethical practices in respondents’ industries, (3) respondents’ experience of ethical conflicts, (4) factors influencing ethical and unethical decisions, (5) respondents reactions to hypothetical situations involving ethical dilemmas, (6) institutionalization of BE in respondents’ companies, and (7) the change of ethical standards compared with ten years ago. We find that a number of similarities as well as differences exist regarding BE practices in the three countries, which can be partially attributed to different political, economic, and socio-cultural backgrounds. It can also be observed that in a number of cases, Chinese practices differ from those that are similar for Japan and Korea. This can be explained by the ongoing transition of Chinese economic system toward market economy and the fact that, compared with Japan and Korea, China is less economically developed, and the local business environment, including BE management, is less mature. This study significantly contributes to the existing literature on BE and has practical implications for any agents interested in ethical aspects on business environment in the investigated countries.