Globalisation and Corporate Governance

Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners' understanding of the effect of legislation, ethics, and global integration on decisions, corporate governance, policies, processes and activities undertaken by organisations.

Learning Outcome 1: Be able to critically discuss the impacts of globalisation on organisations.
Analyse the effects of globalisation on organisations operating nationally using PESTLE approach.
Evaluate the role of trading blocs such as the EU on organisations with global presence.
Explain the roles and responsibilities of international organisations for harmonising business practice globally.

Learning Outcome 2. Be able to critically discuss the socio-cultural, ethical and moral issues that affect global organisations.
Critically analyse various socio-cultural, ethical and moral factors that may affect global organisations.
Compare and contrast organisational approaches to ethically manage a globally diverse workforce.
Critically discuss the roles and responsibilities of global organisations to improve workforce welfare.

Learning Outcome 3. Be able to analyse the role of corporate governance in global organisations.
Justify the significance of responsible corporate governance in global organisations.
Critically analyse the regulatory requirements that shape corporate governance in global organisations.
Critically evaluate the impact of regulatory requirements on corporate stakeholders' interests in a global organisation.

Learning Outcome 4. Be able to critically discuss International Consumer Protection laws.
Analyse the significance of national and international legal frameworks covering consumer protection laws.
Examine key international consumer protection laws that may affect the operations of a global organisation.
Evaluate the measures that exist in a global organisation to protect consumers' interests.

Learning Outcome 5. Be able to critically analyse regulations related to online trading.
Analyse the significance of the UK legislations related to online trading.
Determine the actions that need to be taken by organisations to ensure they are adhering to the key online trading legislations.

Case Scenario
Uber Technologies Incorporation, the rapidly expanding ride-hailing application, which allows its users to book and pay for taxis by using their smartphone has come under serious attack in many parts of the world including the United States, much of Europe, Asia and Nigeria. In these destinations, Uber has faced sanctions, criticisms and protests, such as the once trending social media campaign #DeleteUber, in which users were encouraged to stop using the Uber app.

More recently, a ban on Uber has resulted in the stripping of its operating license in London (in 2017). The regulator, Transport for London, said "Uber's approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications".

In its short-term existence, Uber has been accused of various bad CSR-related issues such as non- reporting of serious criminal offences, improper background checks on drivers, hiring of unprofessional drivers, espionage, customer privacy issues and others. The company has also had to combat its internal stakeholders.

Task 1 - Report

Instructions:
With reference to Uber, prepare a report concerning the impact of globalisation on local businesses.

The report should also address the following:
Using PESTLE as a framework (and supporting examples) analyse the effects of globalisation on national economies.
Evaluate the role of the EU and International institutions (e.g. IMF, WTO, etc.) on business organisations.

Task 2 - Presentation

Instructions:
Prepare a presentation suitable to be delivered to an audience of taxi drivers regarding corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

Prepare a presentation with speaker notes in which you should address the following:
Given the current economic environment, review various ethical, moral and socio-cultural issues (including responsibilities to employees) affecting global organisations.
Compare and contrast organisational approaches to ensuring positive policies of ethics and maintaining workforce diversity.
Critically explore the significance of corporate governance in global organisations.

Analyse the regulatory requirements that shape corporate governance and evaluate their impacts on stakeholders' interest

Task 3 - Report

Instructions:
Select a country in which Uber operates and prepare a report in which you should have:
An introduction in which you should analyse the significance of consumer protection laws and online trading in your chosen country.
A section providing a summary of the consumer protection laws and online trading,
Conclusions explaining what Uber should do to comply with the identified laws. You should however not limit yourself to the legal requirements and should investigate protectionist policies and retaliatory tactics by business and consumer groups.