Abstract

This case focuses on the ethical dimensions of decision an American-based company must make in order to survive in a country experiencing civil war. Major issues addressed include: 1) What is a company's obligation for the protection if its employees? 2) What type of payments is allowed under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act? 3) Should a company pay fees to terrorist organizations in order to continue to operate?

Background information is given about the company (disguised) and its move to Columbia. Additional information is provided about the Colombian business and political environments as well as the obstacles facing the company.

Teaching
The AMC in Colombia case is appropriate for undergraduate, graduate and executive education courses. It can be used effectively in both ethics and international business courses. The student must address both the effectiveness and the ethics of the decisions relating to major issues. Although not the focus of the case, the case provides information useful to the instructor who desires to cover political risk issues of international operations.

Case number:
A02-01-0021
Subject:
Business Ethics
Year:
Setting:
Colombia
Length:
6 pages
Source:
Library