Topic > Because Indian manufacturers are known to use child labor in the production of hand-stitched soccer balls, Coca-Cola was forced to set up a pre-certification system for the soccer balls it intended to purchase to support its sponsorship program . This case is a classic example of how companies can let the environment in which they operate shape their operations to avoid dangerous conflicts that can be detrimental to the success of their operations. Another gray area for companies operating across cultures includes the issue of employee freedom of association, underpinned by the right to form and join unions. In some countries, employees are prohibited from forming or joining unions, while in others it is an acceptable practice. Therefore, managers must be aware of this fact and put in place mechanisms that are beneficial to both the company and the