Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Case Notes
Chapter 12: Ethics in a Global Society
Case Study 12.1: Leave Well Enough Alone?
Case Synopsis and Analysis
The Sentinelese, who live on the Island of North Sentinel off the coast of India, are one of the
remaining tribal groups who have little if any contact with modern society. These hunter
gatherers are hostile to outsiders, shooting bows and arrows at visitors. The Indian government
prohibits outsiders from coming near the island, fearing the tribe has no immunity to common
diseases and that outside contact would destroy the group’s culture.
Chau’s encounter with the North Sentinelese highlights the ethical questions raised by
interaction with isolated cultures. Should they be left alone? Does initiating contact violate their
right to determine their fate? Or is a hands-off approach outdated and paternalistic, denying
isolated tribes the benefits of modern development?
Learning Objectives
• Students will evaluate Chau’s mission to the North Sentinelese.
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Discussion Guide
Ask class members to judge Chau’s trip to the North Sentinel Island, determining whether he
was justified in breaking the law, whether he was ethnocentric, whether he violated the rights of
the tribe, and whether he should be labeled as a reckless adventurer or as a martyr. The case
Case Study 12.2: Apple in China: Choosing Sides
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Apple has long been lauded for its consumer-friendly products and stellar customer service.
However, the company is between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, the company wants to
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Learning Objectives
• Students will recognize the complexity involved in international ethical business
decisions.
Discussion Guide
It takes a lot of work for companies to gain—and maintain—a positive reputation among
consumers. At the same time, in order to expand to international markets, organizations need to
become increasingly adept at navigating cultural expectations, rules, and norms. This case
Student Resource
Johnson, Organizational Ethics, 5e
SAGE Publications, 2022
Case Study 12.3: Scenarios for Analysis
Case Synopsis and Analysis
These four scenarios highlight cross-cultural ethical issues. They are drawn from a variety of
Learning Objectives
• Students will apply cross-cultural ethical concepts to ethical diversity issues.
Discussion Guide
The scenarios can be discussed in class or completed by individual students as a graded
assignment. (See Application Exercise 12.11.) In either case, class members should explain and