Professional Documents
Culture Documents
UNIT-2
1. Environmental Scanning-
The first step is called scanning. Through environmental scanning, every segment is analyzed
to find trend indicators. Thus, after having examined the segment, indicators for its
development are defined. According to Fahey and Narayanan, scanning reveals 'actual or
imminent change because it explicitly focuses on areas that the organisation may have
previously neglected'. Scanning is also used to detect weak signals in the environment, before
these have conflated into a recognizable pattern, which might affect the organization's
competitive environment.
Scanning can include every material published in the media such as television, newspapers
and periodicals. This method of scanning is called media-scanning. Product- scanning
includes scanning of products which announce re-emerging consumer behaviour. Looking for
global trends on the internet can be defined as online-scanning.
Modes of Scanning-
Four modes of scanning can be distinguished. Francis Joseph Aguilar (1967) differentiates
between undirected viewing, conditioned viewing, informal search and formal search.
'Undirected viewing' means reading a variety of publications for no specific purpose with the
possible exception of exploration. This mode is the most cost- efficient one but it also offers
the most benefits. There are a lot of varied sources and information which means that the
potential data are unlimited. Data are imprecise and vague and there are no guidelines which
determine where the search should be focused.
• Applying 'conditioned viewing' the viewer pays attention to the particular kinds of data and
assesses their significance for the organization. The field of information is more or less
clearly identified.
'Informal searching can be defined as actively seeking specific Information in a relatively
unstructured way,
The contrast of informal searching is called 'formal searching'. This proactive mode of
scanning contains methodologies for obtaining information for specific purposes.
2. Environmental Monitoring
3. Environmental Forecasting
The direction, intensity and speed of environmental trends are explored through
environmental forecasting. Especially the search for possible threats is of importance. A
prognosis of trends is necessary to get a picture of the future. This is done by adequate
methods, like strategic foresight or scenario analysis. Several other methods of forecasting
are the following: guessing, rule of thumb, expert judgement, extrapolation, leading
indicators, surveys, time-series models and econometric systems.
4. Environmental Assessment
In the last step of the global environmental analysis, the results of the previous three steps
(Scanning, Monitoring, Forecasting) are assessed. The discovered environmental trends are
reviewed to estimate the probability of their occurrence. Furthermore, they need to be
analyzed to evaluate whether they represent a chance or a risk for the company. The
dimension of the chances or risks is also of importance. Moreover, a reaction strategy to the
occurring risks or chances needs to be defined. This is done with the help of the Issue-Impact-
Matrix, an adequate instrument to evaluate and prioritize trends. The forecasted
environmental factors are here classified with respect to their probability of occurrence and
their impact on the company. According to their classification, they demonstrate a high,
medium or low priority for the company.
• Economic risk: This type of risk is the important change in the economic structure that
produces a change in the expected return of an investment. Risk arises from the negative
changes in fundamental economic policy goals (fiscal, monetary, international, or wealth
distribution or creation).
Transfer risk: Transfer risk arises from a decision by a foreign government to restrict capital
movements. It is analyzed as a function of a country's ability to earn foreign currency.
Therefore, it implies that effort in earning foreign currency increases the possibility of capital
controls.
• Exchange risk: This risk occurs due to an unfavorable movement in the exchange rate.
Exchange risk can be defined as a form of risk that arises from the change in price of one
currency against another. Whenever investors or companies have assets or business
operations across national borders, they face currency risk if their positions are not hedged.
Location risk: This type of risk is also referred to as neighborhood risk. It includes effects
caused by problems in a region or in countries with similar characteristics. Location risk
includes effects caused by troubles in a region, in trading partner of a country, or in
countries with similar perceived characteristics,
Sovereign risk: This risk is based on a government's inability to meet its loan obligations.
Sovereign risk is closely linked to transfer risk in which a government may run out of
foreign exchange due to adverse developments in its balance of payments. It also relates
to political risk in which a government may decide not to honor its commitments for
political reasons.
Political risk: This is the risk of loss that is caused due to change in the political structure
or in the politics of country where the investment is made. For example, tax laws,
expropriation of assets, tariffs, or restriction in repatriation of profits, war, corruption and
bureaucracy also contribute to the element of political risk.
2. Unsponsored GDRs:
These GDRs are issued without the direct involvement or cooperation of the foreign
company. Like unsponsored ADRs, third-party institutions
create unsponsored GDRs to represent shares of a foreign company.
4. Agreement on TRIMS
The agreement on Trade Related Investment Measures calls for introducing national
treatment of foreign investments and removal of quantitative restrictions.
5. Agreement on TRIPS
Prior to the TRIP agreement, the intellectual property rights concerning the trade (that
included patents, utility models, trademarks and industrial designs) were governed by the
Paris convention of 1863, which was revised up to 1967. In the field of food, medicines,
drugs and chemical products, the TRIPs Agreement provides for granting product patents
(whereas earlier on, process patents were used to be granted.) Such product patents will be
available for 20 years. In the case of copyright and related rights, protection will be available
for 50 years.
6. Agreement on Services
For the first time, trade in services like banking, insurance, travel, maritime transportation,
mobility of layout etc. was brought within the ambit of negotiations in the Uruguay Round.
The GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) provides a multilateral framework of
principles and services which should govern trade in services under conditions of
transparency and progressive liberalization.
4. Competition in Services-
GATS provides for movement of services of different types from one country to another.
5. Non-tariff barriers
Use of non-tariff barriers by developed countries after the formation of WTO has affected
the exports from developing countries. 16 countries have introduced 13 types of non-tariff
barriers against India.
6. Agreement on agriculture
Developing countries that did not provide subsidies during 1986-88 will not be allowed to
introduce new subsidies. This agreement is also advantageous to developed
countries & will go against the interest of India.
7. Protection of environment
It implies that a country like India which has limited resources will have to divert them to
environment protection rather than on development of facilities.
2. Customs Union
A customs union is a more advanced form of economic integration which not only provides
for internal free trade between the member countries but also adopts a uniform commercial
policy against the non-members. The countries will be represented at trade negotiations with
organizations such as the World Trade Organization by supra-national organizations e.g. the
European Union. For example, European Economic Community (EEC).
3. Common Market
A common market allows free movement of labor and capital within the common market in
addition to having free movement of goods between the member countries and having
common commercial policy is respect to non-members.
4. Economic Union
This is a common market where the level of integration is more developed. The member
states may adopt common economic policies e.g. the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of
the European Union. They may have a fixed exchange rate regime such as the ERM of the
EMU. Indeed, they may have integrated further and have a single common currency. This
will involve common monetary policy. The ultimate act of integration is likely to be some
form of political integration where the national sovereignty is replaced by some form of
over-arching political authority. For example, the European Union (EU) has introduced a
common currency Euro 2000.
5. Political Union
Political union is the ultimate type of economic integration whereby member countries
achieve not only monetary and fiscal integration but also political integration. For example,
the Europe Union (EU) is moving towards a political union similar to one created by 52
states of America.
Objectives
SAARC was established to achieve the following objectives:
1. To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life.
2. To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region
and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full
potential.
3. To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia.
4. To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another's problems.
5. To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural,
technical and scientific fields.
6. To strengthen co-operation with other developing countries.
7. To strengthen co-operation among themselves in International forums on matters of
common interests.
8. To co-operate with International and regional organizations with similar alms and
purposes.
Principles
The important principles which govern the SAARC are:
1. Cooperation within the framework of the association is based on respect for the principles
of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non- interference in the
internal affairs of other States and mutual benefit.
The progress of the regional cooperation movement among the SAARC member countries
is poor due to ethnic problems, border conflicts, differences in political systems and
ideologies. However, there are immense potentialities for mutual co-operation and joint
ventures and joint marketing strategies. Thus an integrated Programme of Action is
being implemented as a component of SAARC. Among the various programmes of the
SAARC the two most important are:
1. Poverty Eradication
2. Trade and Economic Cooperation
1. Poverty Eradication
Poverty Eradication has been placed high on the social Agenda of SAARC since the Sixth
SAARC Summit (Colombo, 1991). The Summit accorded the highest priority to the
alleviation of poverty in South Asia. A consensus on poverty eradication was adopted at the
Seventh SAARC Summit (Dhaka, 1993). The Summit expressed its commitment to
eradicate poverty from South Asia preferably by the year 2002 though an agenda of action
which would, inter-aila, include a strategy of social mobilization, policy of decentralized
agricultural development and small-scale labor-intensive industrialization and human
development. The summit also stressed that within the conceptual approach of Dhal- Bhaat,
the right to work and primary education should receive priority.
2. Individualism vs. Collectivism: This dimension measures the degree to which individuals
are integrated into groups. In individualistic societies, people are expected to look after
themselves and their immediate family, while in collectivistic societies, people are expected to
prioritize the needs of the group over their own.
3. Masculinity vs. Femininity: This dimension measures the distribution of emotional roles
between genders. Masculine societies emphasize assertiveness, materialism, and
competition, while feminine societies emphasize cooperation, relationships, and quality of life.
4. Uncertainty Avoidance: This dimension measures the extent to which a society tolerates
ambiguity and uncertainty. Societies with high uncertainty avoidance have strict rules and
regulations, while societies with low uncertainty avoidance are more flexible and adaptable.
5. Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation: This dimension measures the extent to which a
society focuses on the future or the present and past. Societies with long-term orientation
emphasize thrift, perseverance, and long-term planning, while societies with short-term
orientation emphasize living in the moment and enjoying life.
6. Indulgence vs. Restraint: This dimension measures the extent to which a society allows for
the gratification of basic and natural human desires related to enjoying life. Indulgent societies
have a permissive attitude towards impulse buying and leisure activities, while restrained
societies have a more controlling attitude towards such things.
2) The CAGE Framework
is used to uncover differences between countries which companies should taken into
account while deciding their strategies.
It helps organizations to find a middle ground between the measures they use and the
measure foreign organizations use.
1- Cultural difference
Culture is far from visible, yet its impact on behavior and morality of people is
enormous, be it a country or an organization.
• Different languages
• Different ethnicities
• Lack of social networks
• Different religions
• Lack of trust
• Different norms and code of conduct
• Traditional orientation in the country
2- Administrative Differences
It involves the historical and current legal and political differences between two
countries. It helps the organization to understand how these differences will help or
hinder the expansion of business.
• Lack of connection
• Lack of common currency
• Lack of membership in International Trade Organizations
• Corruption
• Political Ideology
3- Geographical Differences
It involves the physical aspect of the distance between two countries such as their size,
transport, infrastructure, climatic differences and others.
• Physical distance
• Lack or presence of borders
• Different time zones
• Climatic differences
• Different diseases
4- ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES
It allows organizations to compare attributes of home and foreign country against each
other.
2) Flexibility
This framework can be used by a variety of industries such as, bulky goods manufacturer
might focus more on geographic distance whereas media companies may focus more on
cultural distance.
3) Liability Identification
It also helps businesses to identify gaps that may hinder its competitiveness in relation to
the local businesses.
3) Culture and Leader Effectiveness: The GLOBE Study
• The "Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness" (GLOBE)
Research Program was conceived in 1991 by Robert J. House of the Wharton
School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
• To gauge leader effectiveness across cultures, GLOBE empirically established
nine cultural dimensions based on findings by Hofstede (1980), Schwartz (1994),
Smith (1995), Inglehart (1997), and others. They are:
1. The power distance index considers the extent to which inequality and power are
tolerated from the viewpoint of the followers – the lower level.
Exports and imports are the typical way through which businesses begin their activities
overseas before moving on to other kinds of international trade
2. Contract Manufacturing
In one scenario, the MNC enters into a full production contract with a local plant
producing goods to be sold under the name of the MNC.
In a second scenario, the MNC enters into contracts with another firm to provide
partial manufacturing services, such as assembly work or parts production.
Examples:
1. Apple has historically used contract manufacturing to produce its products, leveraging
the expertise of companies such as Foxconn and Pegatron based in Taiwan to
manufacture iPhones, iPads, and other popular devices. One advantage of contract
manufacturing is that it can help companies like Apple reduce production costs and
focus their resources on design and development. That’s why Apple mentions on the
box- ‘Designed in California’
2. Furniture giant Ikea, after designing the product, outsource the production to China to
reduce cost.
Advantages:
1. MNC can integrate vertically without full- scale commitment of personnel and
resources.
2. It expands the production expertise of contracting firm at minimum cost.
Disadvantages:
1. Degree of control of the MNC over the production supply timetable is sacrificed.
3. Licensing
• When a corporation from one country (the Licensor) grants a license to a company
from another country (the Licensee) to use its brand, patent, trademark,
technology, copyright, marketing skills etc., to assist the other firms to sell its
products, then this contractual agreement is referred to as Licensing.
• The licensor receives returns in the form of royalties or fees in proportion to sales.
• The company that grants the license is called Licensor and the company that
receives these rights is called Licensee.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
1. For the licensor, it limits the future profit opportunities associated with the
property for a said time period.
2. The licensor loses control over the quality of products and processes, the assets
and corporate reputation.
3. 3. Managing product quality is a shared responsibility between the parties.
4. 4. Chances of misunderstanding
5. 5. Chances of trade secrets being leaked by the licensee.
6. Examples:
7. 1. In May 2018, Nestle and Starbucks entered into a $7.15 billion coffee licensing
deal. Nestle (the licensee) agreed to pay $7.15 billion in cash to Starbucks (the
licensor) for exclusive rights to sell Starbucks’ products (single-serve coffee, teas,
bagged beans, etc.) around the world through Nestle’s global distribution network.
Additionally, Starbucks will receive royalties from the packaged coffees and teas
sold by Nestle.
8. The licensing agreement provided Starbucks with the ability to drive brand
recognition outside of its North American operations through Nestle’s distribution
networks. For Nestle, the company gained access to Starbucks’ products
and strong brand image.
4. Franchising
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Examples:
• A Joint Venture is formed when two or more businesses decide to work together
for a common goal and mutual benefit.
• In International Trade, JV are businesses where both domestic and foreign
entrepreneurs are partners in ownership and management.
• These businesses share the investment, costs, profits, and losses in predetermined
proportions.
• This mode of entry is suitable when the foreign governments do not allow 100%
foreign ownership in certain industries.
• Advantages:
1. Both partners can use their expertise to grow and expand within a chosen market
2. The domestic partner’s knowledge about the local market and its business
environment helps to overcome risks.
3. JV enables transfer of technology, intellectual properties and assets, knowledge of
overseas market between the partnering firms.
• Disadvantages:
Taxi giant Uber and heavy vehicle manufacturer Volvo announced a joint venture
agreement to develop self-driving cars. The two companies planned to jointly
invest $300 million in the project, each contributing $150 million. Hence, the
ownership ratio between the two companies was 50%-50%. Uber provided its
ride-hailing services and autonomous technology expertise, while Volvo
contributed its experience in automotive design and manufacturing
• When a foreign company establishes a business unit or acquires a full stake in any
domestic company, then they are called a Wholly-owned Subsidiary.
• WOS are set by a foreign company to enjoy full control over their overseas
operations.
• WOS in a foreign country can be established in two ways:
MERGERS
A Merger occurs when two separate entities combine forces to create a new, joint
organization. A merger requires two companies to consolidate into a new entity with a
new ownership and management structure. It dilutes each company’s individual powers.
ACQUISITIONS
An Acquisition refers to the takeover of one entity by another. Here, a new company is
not formed rather a smaller company is often consumed and ceases to exist with its
assets becoming a part of the larger company. Acquisitions aka takeovers have a
negative connotation. Here, the buyer’s powers are absolute.
Examples:
1. Vodafone and Idea: Vodafone is one of the largest telecommunication groups based
in the United Kingdom. Idea Cellular was the first multinational company under the
Birla group established in 1995. Idea Cellular was the third-largest telecom company in
India, with a market share of 15.9%.
The horizontal merger amongst the two biggest players in the telecom industry was
effected in August, 2018. This merger deal was worth $23 billion. The merged company
will enjoy synergy benefits. The estimated savings annually would go up to 14,000
crores in the form of both capital expenditure as well as operating costs. The merged
company would gain 400 million subscribers, a customer market share of 35%, and a
revenue market share of 40%.
1. Can benefit from low-cost labor, cheap material etc. to reduce manufacturing cost,
reduce prices and gain competitive advantage in the market.
2. Foreign companies can avail subsidies and tax advantages from local governments
for making investments in their country.
3. Retain control over business operations.
Disadvantages of FDI
1. High level of political risk if the government uses policies to protect and support
local businesses against foreign companies.
7) Reasons for IB
1- Uneven Distribution of Natural Resources E.g. Import of Petrol from Gulf and the
USA
4- Cost Advantages e.g. Products from China are cheap due to low-cost technology
8) EPRG
• EPRG Framework was given by Howard Perlmutter and Wind and Douglas in
1969.
• It describes the ways in which businesses operate in the global market.
• There are 4 Management Approaches as outlined in EPRG to manage business
activities effectively in home country and the host country.
• It addresses the way strategic decisions are made and the way relationship
between the headquarter and its subsidiary is shaped.
1-Ethnocentric Orientation
The practices and policies followed by the HQ in the home country become the
default standard to which all subsidiaries need to comply.
The product is not adapted as per the need of the host country.
There is no change in the product specification, price and promotion between the
home and host market.
High positions in the company are taken by managers from the home country
itself.
Some companies believe that their products are already of high quality and they
need not to be adapted to the local preferences of host market.
Also, in the home country, the product performs well and is expected to be sold in
such great volumes even in the overseas market.
Advantages:
1. Better coordination between home and host country as decisions are centrally
taken.
2. Saves cost of hiring top level managers in International market as the officials
migrate from the home country.
3. The parent can exercise effective control over the subsidiary.
Disadvantages:
Examples:
2- Polycentric Orientation
This approach gives equal importance to every country’s domestic market. Each
host country is treated separate and strategies are formulated.
It believes that all markets are different in nature and thus have different needs.
The strategic decisions are based on the cultural and political differences.
High positions are taken by local managers.
Advantages:
1. Lower manpower cost as officials from home country are not required to run
operations
2. As local officials have knowledge about the local market, they can take market
centric decisions.
3. Better support from Host Government
Disadvantages:
Examples:
1. Quick Service Restaurants like Mc Donalds, Burger King, SubWay have localized
their menu to fit the tastes and preferences of the consumers.
2. Google’s doodle adapts itself according to what is being celebrated in the country of
the user on that particular day.
3- Regiocentric orientation
Advantages:
1. Cultural fit in the region makes it convenient for the managers to communicate with
each other and employees.
2. Customers from same region have similar preferences and hence it is easy to market
the products
Disadvantage:
Example:
4- Geocentric Orientation
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
1. Viacom’s MTV channels are branded according to the country namely, MTV
India, MTC China, MTV Korea and so on.
2. Microsoft Office software- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook.