Annotated Bibliography
International Business
Student Name: Pham Quynh Phuong - ID: 11184082
Class: Advanced Accounting 60
Globalisation and its influence on
ethical decision-making in business:
China and intellectual property
Neveling, A., Malan, D. & Yortt, A., 2014. Globalisation and its influence on ethical decisionmaking in business: China and intellectual property. African Journal of Business Ethics, April,
8(1), pp. 45-67.
1) Introduction
Ethical decision-making in business is under the influence of various factors, including the external
environment, organizational factors, and society. As a result of globalisation and political reforms,
business ethics in China have changed significantly in the period from 1985 to 2011. Although
such changes may take some time to prove, the lag between policy changes and tangible changes
in the approach to intellectual property rights has been observed in the patent application trends
in China. Changes in approach to intellectual property describe to what extent emerging
economies have embraced the opportunities presented by globalisation.
By studying the impact of globalisation on business ethics of intellectual property rights (IPR) in
China, lessons on regulating laws for governments and obeying international laws for corporations
on protecting intellectual property will be valuable for emerging economies, especially Vietnam.
Moreover, the analysis was taken by a group of experienced researchers in corporate governance,
business ethics, and corporate responsibility from the University of Stellenbosch Business School
in South Africa.
2) Content of the research
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Abstract
Introduction: Differences in ethical decision–making
The increasing role of IPR in the age of globalisation
The changing face of IP and its protection
a. From the Paris Convention to Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of
Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
b. The importance of IP
c. Lack of trust in IPR in developing countries
d. A changing approach to IP
e. The Global Intellectual Property Index (GIPI)
v. Developing BRICS countries and IP
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Annotated Bibliography
International Business
vi. China and IP
a. Cultural influence
b. A changing approach
c. International views of China’s IPR
d. Recent examples illustrating a change in approach
e. Stumbling blocks in protecting IP
vii. Patent application trends from 1985 to 2011 in USA and BRICS countries
viii. Conclusion
3) Aims and research methods
The research used mixed research methods to come to the final conclusion.


Qualitative method was used to analyze the importance of intellectual property protection
under the impact of globalisation.
Quantitative method was used to collect data on the patent application trends and Patent
Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Filings in the US and BRICS countries.
4) Scope of research


The research focused mainly on the scenario of the Chinese business environment
concerning intellectual property rights from 1985 to 2011.
The research also investigated the patent application trends as well as the PCT Filings
between 1985 and 2011 of Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, South Africa (BRICS
countries), and the US.
5) The usefulness of this research to the topic
The research has shown the correlation between the patent application trend as well as the PCT
Filing trends, the acknowledgment and practice of intellectual property protection, and the
economic growth in several emerging economies. Thereby, the practice of protecting intellectual
property rights is proved to be one of the fundamental requirements in doing international
business in the globalizing world, especially to emerging economies.
6) Limitation of the research
When describing international views of China’s IPR, the research has raised the opinion from the
point of view of capitalism countries or developed countries, not international views from both
capitalism and communism. The difference in the political system obviously triggers the difference
in driving forces of the decision-making process in business, which makes the comparison
between the US governance and Chinese one less convincing.
7) Conclusion
Because the rules of global organizations are still heavily influenced by developed countries’
policies. Developing countries have to update their policies to subscribe to these rules, in order
to enter the lucrative markets, and thus the world economy.
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With a view to transforming the country into an economic powerhouse and global leader, the
Chinese had to make changes that may even run counter to their own culture. With the rising
trend and concern for implementing intellectual property registrations and rights, the legal
environment of China has promisingly improved.
Because Vietnam and China have many points in common, this journal is very helpful in providing
a strong foundation of literature for further research into the influence of globalisation on an
ethical issue as intellectual property when doing international business.
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International Business
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