Dr. Brown
D301 International Business Environment – 23134
20 February 2017 Chapter 7 Assignment
Critical Thinking and Discussion Questions
1. Do you think governments should consider human rights when granting preferential trading
rights to countries? What are the arguments for and against taking such a position?
a. I do think government should consider human rights. Using China and the U.S. as an
example, they’re both very important to each other in terms of trade. China has had a
bad history with human rights and labor laws, but the U.S. can attempt to influence
them through policy changes and increase their working conditions. On the other side
if the U.S. was to implement too many policies and influence too greatly China could
choose to trade with other countries that could ultimately worsen their human rights
concerns. It’s a careful balance, but I believe human rights must be considered.
2. Whose interest should be the paramount concern of government trade policy – the interest of
producers (businesses and their employees) or those of consumers?
a. I believe the government is responsible for representing the interest of producers and
consumers, so it’s difficult to select which one should have a larger say. Reviewing
Porter’s theory that a nation’s firm gains competitive advantage though their
consumers being demanding and educated, I would lean toward consumers having the
stronger interest. The government must be there to protect both sides and create
