Fundamentals of International Business
Focus on Globalization in Chapter 1.
Question posed regarding US and China GDP growth over the next 10 years:
Scenario A: Chinese GDP grows 12% cumulatively; US GDP grows 10% cumulatively.
Scenario B: Chinese GDP grows 75% cumulatively; US GDP grows 18% cumulatively.
China: Emerged as the world's top exporter during the pandemic.
Data presented:
Share of Global Exports by Value (2017-2021):
China: 15.0%
U.S.: 12.5%
Germany: 10.0%
Japan: 7.5%
Globalization leads to the U.S. being relatively less important in the world economy.
Faster growth rates in historically poorer countries.
Importance lies in overall economic growth rather than relative performance.
Early 1960s: US accounted for 38.3% of world manufacturing output.
By 2016: Decline to 22% due to emerging economies.
Growth in international trade as nations benefit from each other’s growth.
Key driving forces:
Declining barriers to trade and investment.
Technological advancements.
Globalization of financial markets.
Critical debates around globalization:
Job losses in advanced economies.
Increased income inequality.
Poor labor conditions in developing countries.
Environmental concerns.
Cultural loss.
Importance of relative gains in geopolitics versus economics.
Recent pullbacks observed:
Rise in tariffs.
Decline in global trade volumes.
Political tensions and bilateral trade tensions.
The necessity to recommit to globalization for economic recovery post-pandemic.
-Overview of classes covering:
Definition of Globalization
Globalization of markets and production
Drivers behind globalization
Data and statistics regarding globalization
Debates surrounding globalization issues.
Globalization: Trend toward a more integrated global economic system.
Key Aspects:
Globalization of markets (merging of national markets into a global marketplace).
Globalization of production (sourcing goods and services globally).
Globalization of Markets:
Consumer preferences across nations becoming more similar.
Examples: Coca-Cola, Apple, IKEA.
Globalization of Production:
Goals: Lower cost structures, improve quality.
1870-1914: Industrialization era with global trade dominated by major countries.
1914-1945: Wars and protectionism led to reversal in globalization.
1945-1980: Bretton Woods era with fixed exchange rates.
1980-2008: Liberalization phase with trade barrier removals.
2008-2021: "Slowbalization" marked by political tensions and reduced trade.
International Trade: Exporting goods/services to other countries.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investing resources outside home country.
Although trade barriers have decreased, they still exist in various forms.
U.S. tariff rates analyzed over time:
Major historical tariffs and their impacts on imports.
Global trends in goods trade and FDI flows.
Observations about trade surges and declines post major economic events.
Technological Advancements affect:
Lower transportation and communication costs, promoting globalization.
Global financial market integration facilitating international expansion.
Arguments for globalization being a driver of prosperity.
Critiques include job losses, inequality, and cultural impacts.
Income inequality trends over decades.
Global poverty statistics and child labor data.
Climate change trends and CO2 emissions statistics.
Technological advancements in different fields and their implications on jobs and industries.
Globalization is established although it presents both benefits and challenges.
Cooperation necessary to address issues like climate change and labor conditions is essential.
Understand differences in political, economic, and legal systems.
Explain the implications for management practice of national differences in political economy.
Focus on the needs of society as a whole; equal outcomes prioritized over growth.
Two main types of collectivist systems:
Communist: The state owns the means of production.
Socialist: The means of production owned by workers or cooperatives.
Emphasizes individual freedoms and the pursuit of personal self-interests leads to best social outcomes.
Focus on equal opportunities rather than equal outcomes.
Means of production are privately owned.
Achieves more equal outcomes but often at the expense of economic growth.
Government inefficiency due to conflicting goals can hinder public benefit.
Promotes better economic growth but frequently leads to inequality of outcomes.
Difficult for the state to guarantee equality of opportunity.
Power rests with the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Representative democracy is common, but many exist with superficial democratic practices.
Example of fake democracies: Gambia, Zimbabwe, and Iran.
Absolute control exercised by one person or political party.
Opposing parties are prohibited, leading to extreme repression.
Democratic Rule | Totalitarian Rule |
---|---|
Individualist Orientation | Collectivist Orientation |
Norway, Sweden, Finland, USA | North Korea, China, Syria |
U.K., Australia, Netherlands, Spain | Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, Belarus |
Authoritarian: Similar to totalitarianism but allows some freedoms.
Example: Chile under Pinochet.
Fascism: Right-wing, militaristic, and nationalistic totalitarianism.
Example: Germany under Hitler.
The connection between political ideology and economic systems.
Three types of economic systems:
Market Economy: Driven by consumer choices; individual goals prioritized.
Command Economy: State controls everything; focuses on collective goals.
Mixed Economy: Combination of both market and command features.
Market Economy | Command Economy | Mixed Economy |
---|---|---|
Consumers decide production | State-owned enterprises | Some government ownership |
Free competition encouraged | Government sets production targets and prices | Regulations limit capitalism |
Defines laws and regulations to govern behavior and enforce grievances.
Importance of a legal system includes:
Regulation of business practices.
Execution of business transactions and rights/obligations.
Civil vs. Common Law systems differ mainly in enforcement quality.
Legal recourse varies:
Theft, intellectual property issues, contract breaches, corruption.
Contracts detail conditions of exchange and rights/obligations.
Variations in contract detail across countries; U.S. specifications are more comprehensive.
Definition: Legal rights regarding resource use and income derived.
Essential for success, particularly in creative economies like the U.S.
Can occur through private actions (theft) or public actions (corruption).
Excessive taxation and requirements limit owners' rights.
Definition: Product of intellectual activity including:
Patents: Exclusive rights for inventions.
Copyrights: Protection for creative works.
Trademarks: Distinguishing features for products.
Varies significantly by country; enforcement can be lax.
Membership in global IP organizations providing some standards.
Product Safety Laws: Standards products must meet.
Product Liability: Hold companies accountable for damages caused by products.
Decision-making on standards may differ between home and host countries.
U.S.-based company selling banned glues leading to addiction among street children in Latin America affected its reputation.
Political, economic, and legal environments impact market attractiveness.
Careful operational decisions are necessary when local laws lack clarity or enforcement.
International business operates across varied political, economic, and legal systems.
Key differences include:
Political: Individualism vs. Collectivism, Democracy vs. Totalitarianism.
Economic: Market vs. Mixed vs. Command.
Legal: Enforcement of laws and property protections.
Understand differences in political, economic, and legal systems.
Explain the implications for management practice of national differences in political economy.
Focus on the needs of society as a whole; equal outcomes prioritized over growth.
Two main types of collectivist systems:
Communist: The state owns the means of production.
Socialist: The means of production owned by workers or cooperatives.
Emphasizes individual freedoms and the pursuit of personal self-interests leads to best social outcomes.
Focus on equal opportunities rather than equal outcomes.
Means of production are privately owned.
Achieves more equal outcomes but often at the expense of economic growth.
Government inefficiency due to conflicting goals can hinder public benefit.
Promotes better economic growth but frequently leads to inequality of outcomes.
Difficult for the state to guarantee equality of opportunity.
Power rests with the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Representative democracy is common, but many exist with superficial democratic practices.
Example of fake democracies: Gambia, Zimbabwe, and Iran.
Absolute control exercised by one person or political party.
Opposing parties are prohibited, leading to extreme repression.
Democratic Rule | Totalitarian Rule |
---|---|
Individualist Orientation | Collectivist Orientation |
Norway, Sweden, Finland, USA | North Korea, China, Syria |
U.K., Australia, Netherlands, Spain | Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, Belarus |
Authoritarian: Similar to totalitarianism but allows some freedoms.
Example: Chile under Pinochet.
Fascism: Right-wing, militaristic, and nationalistic totalitarianism.
Example: Germany under Hitler.
The connection between political ideology and economic systems.
Three types of economic systems:
Market Economy: Driven by consumer choices; individual goals prioritized.
Command Economy: State controls everything; focuses on collective goals.
Mixed Economy: Combination of both market and command features.
Market Economy | Command Economy | Mixed Economy |
---|---|---|
Consumers decide production | State-owned enterprises | Some government ownership |
Free competition encouraged | Government sets production targets and prices | Regulations limit capitalism |
Defines laws and regulations to govern behavior and enforce grievances.
Importance of a legal system includes:
Regulation of business practices.
Execution of business transactions and rights/obligations.
Civil vs. Common Law systems differ mainly in enforcement quality.
Legal recourse varies:
Theft, intellectual property issues, contract breaches, corruption.
Contracts detail conditions of exchange and rights/obligations.
Variations in contract detail across countries; U.S. specifications are more comprehensive.
Definition: Legal rights regarding resource use and income derived.
Essential for success, particularly in creative economies like the U.S.
Can occur through private actions (theft) or public actions (corruption).
Excessive taxation and requirements limit owners' rights.
Definition: Product of intellectual activity including:
Patents: Exclusive rights for inventions.
Copyrights: Protection for creative works.
Trademarks: Distinguishing features for products.
Varies significantly by country; enforcement can be lax.
Membership in global IP organizations providing some standards.
Product Safety Laws: Standards products must meet.
Product Liability: Hold companies accountable for damages caused by products.
Decision-making on standards may differ between home and host countries.
U.S.-based company selling banned glues leading to addiction among street children in Latin America affected its reputation.
Political, economic, and legal environments impact market attractiveness.
Careful operational decisions are necessary when local laws lack clarity or enforcement.
International business operates across varied political, economic, and legal systems.
Key differences include:
Political: Individualism vs. Collectivism, Democracy vs. Totalitarianism.
Economic: Market vs. Mixed vs. Command.
Legal: Enforcement of laws and property protections.
Seoul, North Korea: Represents centrally planned government with strict control.
Pyongyang, South Korea: Characterizes a more open economic and political system.
Objective: To analyze a country for business viability using previous week's content on political economy and this week's focus on economic development and PEST analysis.
Inequality in Development: Notable disparities in global development; dysfunctional systems hinder growth.
Corruption is detrimental to economic progress.
Protection of intellectual property encourages innovation.
Essential factors: Fair court systems and rule of law.
PEST Analysis:
Political, Economic, Social, and Technological aspects to evaluate investment opportunities.
Recommended sources: BBC country profiles and CIA World Factbook for insightful data.
Critical Institutions:
Property rights, rule of law, freedom of press, honest governance, open markets, trust.
Diversity of Institutions: Influenced by:
History, Geography, Culture.
Impact on Legal Systems: Untrustworthy legal systems in highly corrupt countries hinder business.
Dysfunctional Economies: The firms that succeed are often those who are well-connected rather than efficient.
Investment Deterrence: High corruption leads to asset seizures and increased risks, causing low investment attraction.
Corruption is measured on a scale from highly corrupt (0-9) to very clean (90-100).
Visual representation of corruption indexes highlights global disparities.
Review of India’s economic landscape through videos focusing on:
Social and economic costs of bribery
Role of agents in corrupt economies
Challenges posed to international businesses by endemic corruption.
Economic Measures:
Per-capita GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and GNI (Gross National Income).
Outcomes Evaluated:
Health, life expectancy, literacy, women’s rights, education, and standard of living.
Human Development Index (HDI): Measures broader socio-economic variables beyond just income.
Dimensions:
Life expectancy, education, and standard of living (GNI per capita).
Indicators:
Life expectancy at birth, average years of schooling, GNI per capita (PPP).
Countries with Very High Human Development:
Norway: 0.944; Australia: 0.935; Switzerland: 0.930.
Countries with Low Human Development:
Kenya: 0.548; Nepal: 0.548; Pakistan: 0.538.
This index provides a clearer understanding of a nation’s development by accounting for income distribution discrepancies.
Gender equality is crucial; restricting women limits overall national development prospects.
Relationship: Corruption engenders a cycle of underdevelopment, poor tax revenue, and inadequate infrastructure.
Inversely correlated: Countries with lower GDP tend to have higher corruption levels; e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo.
Corruption undermines property rights, thus reducing entrepreneurial motivations and innovation.
Leading countries in innovation: South Korea, Sweden, Germany; new entrants to the top ranks include Israel.
Geographical: Favorable geography promotes trade and growth.
Education Levels: Investment in education correlates with economic development success.
Influence of historical, infrastructural, and capital availability on economic growth.
Concluded thematic review of political economy and development.
Next discussion topic: The role of culture in business attractiveness.
A structured approach to assess political, economic, social, and technological factors affecting business decisions.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Analytical benefits vs. high risks, corruption, and lack of infrastructure that can impact business decisions.
Political Risk: Changes in government affecting business.
Economic Risk: Economic mismanagement impacts business viability.
Legal Risk: Contracts being violated or property rights not protected.
Political Costs: Bribes and lobbying expenses.
Economic Costs: Infrastructure deficiencies affecting overall costs.
Legal Costs: Higher costs from varying standards across jurisdictions.
Steps to evaluate each factor (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) and gather strategic insights.
Assess prospect for Apple’s manufacturing presence in India.
Variability in development levels (GNI, GDP, and HDI) corresponds to political, economic, and legal risks.
Fast-growing economies may bear higher risks, necessitating thorough risk assessment for business ventures.
Class 40L: Differences in Culture
Discusses cultural implications of individualism and collectivism in business contexts.
Previous discussions on individualism vs. collectivism focusing on economic and political aspects (communism/capitalism, totalitarianism/democracy).
Today’s focus: Cultural implications of these constructs.
Explain the concept of culture in society.
Identify business and economic implications arising from cultural differences.
Culture is defined as a shared system of values and norms by a group of people, forming a design for living.
Values: Contextual foundation for establishing and justifying societal norms.
Examples: Honesty, Responsibility, Compassion.
Norms: Social rules governing interpersonal actions.
Types of Norms:
Mores: Violation leads to severe punishment (e.g., racism, infidelity).
Folkways: Minor violations tolerated (e.g., table manners).
Key Determinants:
Social Structure
Religion
Political Philosophy
Economic Philosophy
Educational System
Language
Refers to a society's basic social organization.
Individualism vs. Collectivism: Basic unit of social organization.
Social Stratification: Society's hierarchical divisions.
Encouragement of individual achievement and entrepreneurship.
Job switching, competition over team collaboration.
Lesser loyalty towards employers.
Emphasis on cooperation and teamwork.
Lifetime employment common, but individual creativity might be suppressed.
Definition: Hierarchical organization into social categories (strata).
Defined by traits like family background, occupation, income.
Varies by:
Degree of mobility across strata.
Importance of strata in business contexts.
Caste System: Rigid social positions determined by family.
Class System: Positions defined by achievements; movement possible through merit.
Traditional class divisions in the UK and other countries are evolving.
BBC’s Great British Class Survey proposes a new model with seven groups based on various socio-economic factors.
Fault Lines: Boundaries between conflicting beliefs, cultures, etc.
Examples include urban vs. rural, blue collar vs. white collar, different educational backgrounds.
Understanding fault lines is crucial for international business success.
Helps in navigating sensitive issues in foreign markets that may affect workplace dynamics.
Geert Hofstede’s framework for understanding business culture:
Power Distance: Acceptance of unequal power distribution.
Individualism vs. Collectivism: Interdependence among members.
Uncertainty Avoidance: Comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty.
Masculinity vs. Femininity: Competitive achievement versus quality of life focus.
Long-Term Orientation: Connection to past vs. challenges of the present/future.
Indulgence vs. Restraint: Control of desires and can-do approaches to life.
Culture shapes norms, values, and competitive behaviors within firms.
Understanding cultural context can improve management practices, business negotiations, and subsidiary operations.
Hofstede's dimensions critical for designing organizational structures, compensation, and job roles.
Trade Policy: Crucial component in international business.
Free Trade: Not truly existing; governments heavily regulate.
Governments impose restrictions for political reasons.
Trade restrictions can lead to resource misallocation from efficient to inefficient industries.
Tools of Trade Policy:
Tariffs
Quotas/Quantitative restrictions
Temporary duties (e.g., Antidumping, Safeguards)
Administrative rules
Local content requirements
Political arguments for intervention include:
Job protection
Addressing unfair trade practices
Trade deficits
National defense
Protectionist policies garner political support due to:
Strong lobbying from organized interest groups.
Social concerns, for example, environment and workers' rights.
Trade liberalization often linked to economic growth and resolution of social issues.
Free Trade Definition: No government restrictions on international purchases and sales.
Governments often intervene to protect politically significant groups despite nominal commitments to free trade.
Tariffs: Taxes on imports to elevate price of foreign goods.
Subsidies: Financial assistance to domestic producers.
Import Quotas: Limits on quantity of imported goods.
Voluntary Export Restraints (VERs): Export limitations set by exporting countries.
Local Content Requirements: Mandates for domestic production in goods.
Antidumping Policies: Protect domestic firms from foreign firms selling below production costs.
Administrative Policies: Bureaucratic rules to hinder imports.
Purpose: Protect domestic producers at the expense of consumers.
Tariffs raise government revenue but decrease economic efficiency.
Transparency: Tariffs are more identifiable compared to other forms of trade protection.
Dumping: Selling below production cost or fair market value.
Antidumping policies punish perceived unfair foreign competition, though lack transparency.
Example: US Magnesium's case illustrates potential harm to consumers and industry users.
Import Quotas: Direct limits on imported goods.
Voluntary Export Restraints (VERs): Similar to quotas but voluntarily agreed upon.
Both lead to increased prices and decreased market efficiency, disadvantaging consumers.
Subsidy Definition: Government support to domestic producers.
Benefits:
Helps domestic companies compete against cheaper imports.
Facilitate gaining export markets.
The burden of subsidies typically falls on taxpayers.
Mandate a specific percentage of a product must be produced domestically.
Benefits domestic producers while raising prices for consumers.
Bureaucratic Rules: Designed to complicate import processes.
Result in inefficiencies and higher prices for consumers. Example: Japan’s apple import procedures.
National Defense: Ensure security of strategic industries.
Income Redistribution: Protect jobs and industry from foreign competition.
Balancing Trade: Address trade deficits and maintain economic stability.
Strategic Economic Interests: Support infant industries to promote growth.
Trade protection gains popularity especially during economic downturns.
While benefiting certain owners, it often neglects the interests of labor.
Evolving issues like income inequality complicate trade discussions, sometimes hindering free trade.
Political arguments often encompass consumer protection and environmental concerns, though these can be contentious.
Infant Industry Argument: Temporary protection for new industries to mature effectively.
Strategic Trade Considerations: Although discredited, seeks to leverage negotiations with other nations.
Reciprocity/Retaliation: Responses to trade barriers established by others to ensure equitable trade conditions.
Market dynamics favor concentrated losses over dispersed gains.
Collective action issues lead to greater lobbying from "losers" of trade compared to dispersed but significant benefits to "winners".
Linkage with income inequality, poverty, and environmental concerns.
Reducing trade itself isn’t a solution for social issues; historical evidence suggests potential negative repercussions from sanctions.
Multilateral Trade: Governed by the WTO, evolved from GATT post-World War II.
Focus on tariff liberalization and engagement of developing nations.
Difficulty in negotiating agreements between advanced and developing nations.
RTAs may often divert trade rather than create it; raises efficiency concerns.
Continued focus on anti-dumping policies and protectionism in agriculture.
The necessity of intellectual property protections in the international trading system.
Trade policies directly influence company strategies, particularly in managing global production.
Firms can advocate for free trade or engage in lobbying against trade barriers, recognizing the risks associated with protectionism.
Globalization Overview:
Trends towards a more integrated global economic system.
Globalization of markets and production reshapes consumer preferences and business operations.
Economic Growth Scenarios:
Comparing potential GDP growth rates of China and the U.S. over the next decade reveals significant shifts in global economic power.
Shift in Global Trade Dynamics:
China's emergence as the world's top exporter during the pandemic, overtaking the U.S.
The dynamic nature of international trade with new players like China becoming dominant.
Drivers of Globalization:
Declining barriers to trade and investment, technological advancements, and globalization of financial markets are key facilitators.
Discussion of negative aspects: job losses, income inequality, labor conditions, environmental issues, and cultural loss.
Political Economy:
Implications of political, economic, and legal systems for management practice in international business.
The relationship between political ideologies (individualism vs. collectivism) and economic systems (market, command, mixed).
Cultural Dimensions:
Impact of cultural differences on business operations.
Hofstede's dimensions summarize aspects of culture: power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and more.
PEST Analysis:
Framework for assessing political, economic, social, and technological factors influencing business decisions.
Corruption and Development:
The negative impact of corruption on economic development, property rights, and entrepreneurship.
Importance of rule of law and fair legal systems for economic growth.
Trade Policy:
Instruments of trade policy: tariffs, quotas, and their implications for domestic and international businesses.
The paradox between free trade ideals and reality of government intervention.
Future of Globalization and Trade:
Recent trends show retreat from globalization with rising tariffs and political tensions.
The necessity for cooperation to tackle global challenges and ensure economic recovery post-pandemic.
Globalization Overview:
Trends towards a more integrated global economic system.
Globalization of markets and production reshapes consumer preferences and business operations.
Economic Growth Scenarios:
Comparing potential GDP growth rates of China and the U.S. over the next decade reveals significant shifts in global economic power.
Shift in Global Trade Dynamics:
China's emergence as the world's top exporter during the pandemic, overtaking the U.S.
The dynamic nature of international trade with new players like China becoming dominant.
Drivers of Globalization:
Declining barriers to trade and investment, technological advancements, and globalization of financial markets are key facilitators.
Discussion of negative aspects: job losses, income inequality, labor conditions, environmental issues, and cultural loss.
Political Economy:
Implications of political, economic, and legal systems for management practice in international business.
The relationship between political ideologies (individualism vs. collectivism) and economic systems (market, command, mixed).
Cultural Dimensions:
Impact of cultural differences on business operations.
Hofstede's dimensions summarize aspects of culture: power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and more.
PEST Analysis:
Framework for assessing political, economic, social, and technological factors influencing business decisions.
Corruption and Development:
The negative impact of corruption on economic development, property rights, and entrepreneurship.
Importance of rule of law and fair legal systems for economic growth.
Trade Policy:
Instruments of trade policy: tariffs, quotas, and their implications for domestic and international businesses.
The paradox between free trade ideals and reality of government intervention.
Future of Globalization and Trade:
Recent trends show retreat from globalization with rising tariffs and political tensions.
The necessity for cooperation to tackle global challenges and ensure economic recovery post-pandemic.