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Castro’s retirement presents U.S. companies with new opportunities to demonstrate strong business ethics
By Lauren | February 19, 2008
Cuban leader Fidel Castro has announced his retirement, a move that probably surprised almost no one. After all, it’s been months since Castro “temporarily” ceded authority to his brother to deal with serious health problems. Sooner or later, the ailing leader was bound to step down.
Castro’s departure will give the Bush Administration an opportunity to loosen or even eliminate the federal embargo on trade with Cuba. If that happens, U.S. companies will gain access to a lucrative new market for American products and services. You can almost hear the marketing executives licking their collective chops.
One important question remains, however. When American companies rush into Cuba with their merchandise, will they export good business ethics as well? The Cuban people have had relatively little contact with American business since Castro took over more than forty years ago. His departure offers American business an almost unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate that our country is not just dedicated to capitalism, but is also committed to honesty, integrity and trust. Here’s hoping that American companies recognize that their best marketing strategy is Cuba is a highly ethical one.
Topics: Business Ethics, corporate responsibility, customer relations |