Topic 1 : Sustainability and the United Nations
This week’s discussion focuses on sustainability and its significance in business work, particularly in the context of corporate social responsibility, ethics, and sustainable practices. You will start focusing on the importance of sustainability and its connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of business. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and individuals and companies are crucial in driving positive change. You will explore what individuals can do on a personal level and discuss the actions that companies can take to contribute to sustainability and address the SDGs.
The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals designed to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by the world. They aim to promote sustainable development and create a better future for all. In the Sustainable Development Report based on the publication by Sachs et al. 2023, each country is rated on their progress towards realizing the following 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs):
(1) No poverty (2) Zero hunger (3) Good health and well-being, (4) Quality education, (5) Gender equality, (6) Clean water and sanitation, (7) Affordable and clean energy, (8) Decent work and economic growth, (9) Industry, innovation and infrastructure, (10) Reduced inequalities, (11) Sustainable cities and communities, (12) Responsible consumption and production, (13) Climate action, (14) Life below water, (15) Life on land, (16) Peace, justice and strong institutions, and (17) Partnerships for the goals (SDG Dashboards and Trends, 2023)
Research and become familiar with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Goals (SDGs) and their specific targets. Explore the background and rationale behind the SDGs, as well as the key areas they address.
What actions can you take to promote sustainability and contribute to achieving the UN SDGs? Explain how these actions align with your personal values and ethics.
What measures can businesses adopt to integrate sustainability into their operations and actively contribute to the UN SDGs? Provide examples of companies that have successfully implemented sustainable practices. Do some research on the Internet and discuss how multinationals address some social responsibility issues through B Lab certification?
Research the current rankings of countries in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the Internet. Select one of the top-ranking countries that have made notable progress in achieving all 17 SDGs. Analyze and share:
What lessons or strategies can be learned from this country’s efforts, whether for individuals or businesses?
Explain whether sustainability should be a core element of a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges that arise from prioritizing sustainability in business practices.
Reference
Sachs, J. D., Lafortune, G., Fuller, G., Drumm, E. (2023). Implementing the SDG stimulus. Sustainable Development Report 2023. Dublin University Press. https://dashboards.sdgindex.org/rankings
Topic 2: International Negotiations Challenges and Considerations
International negotiations present unique challenges and considerations due to cultural differences, varying negotiation styles, and diverse approaches to decision-making. In this discussion, you will explore the negotiation styles of different countries and analyze how they compare to the styles presented in Exhibit 19.3: “Summary of Japanese, American, and Chinese Business Negotiation Styles.” Your task is to select two countries (excluding the United States, China, and Japan) and examine their negotiation styles based on the categories and stages outlined in Exhibit 19.3 (see atatched)
Analyze and compare the negotiation styles of two countries of your choice, focusing on the categories presented in Exhibit 19.3. Discuss the similarities and differences in their negotiation, decision-making, and relationship-building approaches. How do these negotiation styles influence business interactions and outcomes in each country?
Discuss the challenges and considerations that arise when negotiating with these two selected countries. How do cultural factors, communication styles, and decision-making processes impact the negotiation process? Share any personal experiences or examples that highlight these challenges.
Reflect on the negotiation styles presented in Exhibit 19.3 (Japanese, American, and Chinese) and compare them to those of the two countries you have chosen. Identify any unexpected or contrasting elements between the countries in Exhibit 19.3 and the countries you selected. What insights or lessons can be drawn from these comparisons for conducting successful international negotiations?
Note: Please ensure that the two countries you select are not the United States, China, or Japan.
** Please keep two docs for Topic 1 and 2 AND submit plagiarism report
