Published Online: January 05, 2005
Author Details
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Purpose:: The present study is based on the role of ethics in international professional services marketing. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodological approach of this research study is descriptive and the data is obtained from various secondary data sources in thematic form. Findings: It was postulated that ethics should play a more significant role in international professional services firms. Given the competitive environment, the dynamics of business practices, and the proliferation of professional firms providing services to businesses, industries, and governments beyond their home country, it seems the recent literature and practitioners might be trending in a direction that re-emphasizes ethical conduct. Research Limitations: The main limitation for this study is that it is based on secondary data. Replicating the research approach with primary data would result in deriving better conclusion. Managerial Implications: The implications for management from this study are that there are significant concerns for international professional services marketing firms in the B2B markets, and they are the concerns that direct attention to the value of re-emphasizing ethical conduct. An overriding concern is that the professionals, e.g. engineers, accountants, lawyers, architects, management consultants, investment bankers, etc., that are providing their advice to client companies should be upholding standards of proper and professional conduct, so the rules are followed and the public interest protected. Professionals may have an obligation to counsel executives for balance when profits are calibrated with greed and the public interest is put at peril. Originality/Value: This study showcased the original work of the authors in the field of international professional services marketing and the professional services firms (PSF’s) re-emphasizing the ethical conduct.
Keywords
Ethics; Business-to-business; Professional services; International business practice, professional services firms (PSF’s)