A cross-cultural comparison of business ethics among graduate business students in the United States and Hong Kong

This dissertation examines business ethics and culture. The study uses Clark's (1966) Personal Business Ethical Scores (PBES) questionnaire to evaluate the responses of graduate-level business students in the United States and Hong Kong when they are presented with ethical dilemmas, as well as Hofstede's (1980) National Culture Survey to determine the extent of the association between Hofstede's five cultural dimensions and business ethics in Hong Kong and the United States.;The literature reveals that as the business world expands, trade and commerce reach more and more people; because of technology, products, and services, modern commerce becomes available to all. Yet, as the world looms large it also grows smaller everyday, as we become closer to, and more familiar with, different countries, businesses, and people.;The research suggests that in any country, whether one works in the public or private sector, ethical norms exist-religious ethics, social ethics, and business ethics. Yet, despite the existence of ethical norms, ethics can be viewed differently within and among cultures and countries; such differing viewpoints may give rise to conflicts. The degree of conflict varies depending on the issues and the people involved, and whether the conflict is domestic or international.;Consequently, one country's view of what is acceptable and appropriate may be quite opposite of the view held in another country. And even within a country, what is considered morally acceptable business practice and what is taken for granted as the "way things are done" can also vary by industry and/or by region.