ABSTRACT
Technological development, in particular the opportunities offered by information technology for on-line connections over the Internet, is the foundation for the explosive progress of globalisation. Major investors and large-scale multinational companies are the engines of globalisation, with world-economy stock exchanges as the arena for their operations. In their world, growth of business and market position in the international competition are measures of success. In order to make profit for their shareholders, the companies seek the most favourable operational conditions: they minimise the labour costs, pay the least possible price for raw materials, and would rather not pay unreasonable taxes or duties. If national governments wish to have international high-technology companies operating in their territories, they are forced to face tough competitive bidding and to prioritise the allocation of public funding. Such prioritisation inevitably affects citizens’ social security, sustainable development and economic autonomy. When searching for a profitable investment or bridgehead in a new market, the companies should make the ethical goals of their operations transparent. Governments should be aware of these goals when making contracts in order to avoid undesirable surprises. The connections of the business operation with the development of the host country should also be considered.
