C h a p t e r1:G l o b a l i z a t i o n1. Describe the shifts in the world economy over the last 30 years. What are the implications of these shifts for international businesses based in Great Britain North America Hong KongAnswer: The world economy has shifted dramatically over the past 30 years. As late as the 1960s, four stylized facts described the demographics of the global economy. The first was U.S. dominance in the world economy and world trade. The second was U.S. dominance in the world foreign direct investment picture. Related to this, the third fact was the dominance of large, multinational U.S. firms in the international business scene. The fourth was that roughly half of the globe - the centrally planned economies of the Communist world - was off-limits to Western international businesses. All of these demographic facts have changed. Although the U.S. remains the world's dominant economic power, its share of world output and world exports have declined significantly since the 1960s. This trend does not reflect trouble in the U.S. economy, but rather reflects the growing industrialization of developing countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and South Korea. This trend is also reflected in the world foreign direct investment picture. As depicted in Figure 1.2 in the textbook, the share of world output (or the stock of foreign direct investment) generated by developing countries has been on a steady increase since the 1960s, while the share of world output generated by rich industrial countries has been on a steady decline. Shifts in the world economy can also be seen through the shifting power of multinational enterprises. Since the 1960s, there have been two notable trends in the demographics of the multinational enterprise. The first has been the rise of non-U.S. multinationals, particularly Japanese multinationals. The second has been the emergence of a growing number of small and medium-sized multinationals, called mini-multinationals. The fall of Communism in Eastern Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union have brought about the final shift in the world economy. Many of the former Communist nations of Europe and Asia seem to share a commitment to democratic politics and free market economies. Similar developments are being observed in Latin America. If these trends continue, the opportunities for international business may be enormous. The implications of these shifts are similar for North America and Britain. The United States and Britain once had the luxury of being the dominant players in the world arena, with little substantive competition from the developing nations of the world. That has changed. Today, U.S. and British manufacturers must compete with competitors from across the world to win orders. The changing demographics of the world economy favor a city like Hong Kong. Hong Kong (which is now under Chinese rule) is well located with easy access to markets in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and other Asian markets. Hong Kong has a vibrant labor force that can compete on par with the industrialized nations of the world. The decline in the influence of the U.S. and Britain on the global economy provides opportunities for companies in Hong Kong to aggressively pursue export markets.2. "The study of international business is fine if you are going to work in a large multinational enterprise, but it has no relevance for individuals who are going to work in smaller firms." Evaluate this statement. Answer: People who believe in this view, and the firms that they work for, may find that they do not achieve their full potential (at best) and may ultimately fail because of their myopia. As barriers to trade decrease and state of the art technological developments take place throughout the world, new opportunities and threats exist on a worldwide basis. The rise of the mini-multinationals suggests there are global opportunities even for small firms. But staying attuned to international markets is not only important from the perspective of seeking profitable opportunities for small firms; it can also be critical for long-term competitive survival. Firms from other countries may be developing products that, if sold internationally, may wipe out small domestic competitors. Scanning international markets for the best suppliers is also important for small firms, for if a domestic competitor is able to tap into a superior supplier from a foreign country, it may be able to seriously erode a small firm's competitive position before the small firm understands the source of its competitor's competitive advantage and can take appropriate counter actions.3. How have changes in technology contributed to the globalization of markets and of production Would the globalization of production and markets have been possible without these technological changes Answer: Changes in technology have contributed to the globalization of markets and of production in a very substantive manner. For instance, improvements in transportation technology have paved the way for companies like Coca-Cola, Levi Strauss, Sony and McDonalds to make their products available worldwide. Similarly, improvements in communications technology have had a major impact. The ability to negotiate across continents has been facilitated by improved communications technology, and the rapidly decreasing cost of communications has lowered the expense of coordinating and controlling a global corporation. Finally, the impact of information technology has been far reaching. Companies can now gain worldwide exposure simply by setting up a homepage on the Internet. This technology was not available just a few short years ago. The globalization of production and markets may have been possible without improvements in technology, but the pace of globalization would have been much slower. The falling cost of technology has made it affordable for many developing nations, which has been instrumental in helping these nations improve their share of world output and world exports. The inclusion of these nations, such as China, India, Thailand, and South Korea, has been instrumental in the globalization of markets and production. In addition, improvements in global transportation and communication have made it relatively easy for business executives from different countries to converse with one another. If these forms of technology, including air-travel, fax capability, e-mail, and overnight delivery of packages were not available, it would be much more difficult for businesses to conduct international trade.4. "Ultimately, the study of international business is no different from the study of domestic business. Thus, there is no point in having a separate course on international business." Evaluate this statement. Answer: This statement reflects a poor understanding of the unique challenges involved in international business. Managing an international business is different from managing a purely domestic business for at least four reasons.These are: (1) countries are different; (2) the range of problems confronted by a manager in an international business is wider and the problems themselves more complex than those confronted by a manager in a domestic business; (3) an international business must find ways to work within the limits imposed by government intervention in the international trade and investment system; and (4) international transactions involve converting money into different currencies. As a result of these differences, there are ample reasons for studying international business as a specific field of study or discipline.5. How might the Internet and the associated World Wide Web impact international business activity and the globalization of the world economyAnswer: According to the text, the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) promise to develop into the information background of tomorrow's global economy. This improved technology will not only make it easier for individuals and companies in different countries to conduct business with one another, but will also further decrease the cost of communications. These improvements will undoubtedly hasten the already rapid pace of globalization. Another distinct attribute of the Internet and the WWW is that they act as an equalizer between large (resource rich) and small (resource poor) firms. For instance, it does not cost any more for a small software firm to gain visibility via the WWW than it does for a large software company like Microsoft. As a result, the WWW helps small companies reach the size of audience that was previously only within the reach of large, resource rich firms.6. If current trends continue, China may emerge as the world's largest economy by 2020. Discuss the possible implications of such a development for(1) The world trading system.(2)The world monetary system.(3)The business strategy of today's European and U.S. based global corporations.(4)Global commodity prices.Answer: The world trading system would clearly be affected by such a development. Currently China enjoys a somewhat privileged status within the World Trade Organization as a “developing”country. Such a rise to eminence, however, would clearly force it to become a full and equal member, with all the rights and responsibilities. China would also be in a position to actively affect the terms of trade between many countries. On the monetary front, one would expect that China would have to have fully convertible and trading currency, and it could become one of the “benchmark”currencies of the world. From the perspective of Western global firms, China would represent both a huge market, and potentially the home base of some very capable competitors. Finally, commodity prices would probably fall.7. Read the Country Focus in this chapter on the Ecuadorian rose industry, the answer the following questions:a) How has participation in the international rose trade helped Ecuador’s economy and its people How has the rise of Ecuador as a center for rose growing benefited consumers in developed nations who purchase the roses What do the answers to these questions tell you about the benefits of international tradeb) Why do you think that Ecuador’s rose industry only began to take of 20 years ago Why do you think it has grown so rapidlyc) To what extent can the alleged health problems among workers in Ecuador’s rose industry be laid at the feet of consumers in the developed world and their desire for perfect Valentine’s Day rosesd) Do you think governments in the developed world should place trade sanctions on Ecuador roses if reports of health issues among Ecuadorian rose workers are verified What else might they do to improve the situation in Ecuadora) Ecuador is the world’s fourth largest producer of roses. In fact, roses represent the country’s fifth largest export. The industry is vital to Ecuador’s economy, creating tens of thousands of jobs, jobs that pay significantly above the country’s minimum wage. Taxes and revenues from the rose growers have also helped to pave roads, build schools, and construct sophisticated irrigation systems. For Ecuador’s consumers, the success of the industry means bigger, more vibrant flowers than were previously available. Most students will recognize that the conditions in Ecuador give the country a distinct advantage in rose growing, and that by focusing on the industry, Ecuador has been able to benefit from international trade. Consumers in other countries also benefit from Ecuador’s flower exports with better products.b) Ecuador’s rose industry began some 20 years ago, and has been expanding rapidly ever since then. Most students will probably focus advances in technology as a key to the industry’s success. Roses are a very fragile, perishable product. Modern technology enables growers to used refrigerated air transport to get the product to markets around the globe. Without that ability, the growers would be limited to the market immediately surrounding the country.c) Students will probably be divided on this issue with some students arguing that consumers are to blame for the problems, and others placing the blame on the growers. Students taking the first perspective will probably suggest that most consumers purchase their roses with little consideration for how they are grown. Rather, most consumers simply focus on their beauty and price. Students blaming the growers might argue that growers, because they feel the effect of less-than-perfect roses in the form of smaller profits, will be motivated to find ways to produce ever more perfect flowers. Certainly, the use of pesticides and other products can produce a better crop. In the end, there is probably blame on both sides. If more consumers were aware of the health problems resulting from the improper use of pesticides, they would probably demand some changes. Similarly, if pressure were put on the growers to use pesticides safely, health problems could be reduced.d) Trade sanctions are a tool that is often employed by governments that are making a statement against a specific action or actions. In the case of Ecuador, trade sanctions certainly would be an option, as would publicizing the situation so that more consumers were aware of the conditions. In the end though, it is important to consider the effect of the sanctions or other measures on people like Maria who might lose their livelihood as a result. Chapter 2: National Differences1. Free market economies stimulate greater economic growth, whereas state-directed economies stifle growth! Discuss.Answer: In a market economy, private individuals and corporations are allowed to own property and other assets. This right of ownership provides a powerful incentive for people to work hard, introduce new products, develop better advertising campaigns, invent new products, etc., all in the hopes of accumulating additional personal capital and wealth. In turn, the constant search on the part of individuals and corporation to accumulate wealth enriches the entire economy and creates economic growth. In contrast, in a command economy, private individuals and corporations are not allowed to own substantial quantities of property and other assets. The objective of a command economy is for everyone to work for “the good of the society.”Although this sounds like a noble ideal, a system that asks individuals to work for the good of society rather than allowing individuals to build personal wealth does not provide a great incentive for people to invent new products, develop better advertising campaigns, find ways to be more efficient, etc. As a result, command economies typically generate less innovation and are less efficient than market economies.2. A democratic political system is an essential condition for sustained economic progress. Discuss. Answer: This question has no clear-cut answer. In the West, we tend to argue that democracy is good for economic progress. This argument is largely predicted upon the idea that innovation is the engine of economic growth, and a democratic political system encourages rather than stifles innovation. However, there are examples of totalitarian regimes that have fostered a market economy and strong property rights protection and experienced rapid economic growth. The examples include four of the fastest growing economies of the past 30 years – South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong – all of which have grown faster than Western economies. However, while it is possible to argue that democracy is not a necessary precondition for the establishment of a free market economy, it seems evident that subsequent economic growth leads to establishment of democratic regimes. Several of the fastest-growing Asian economies have recently adopted more democratic governments.3. What is the relationship between corruption (i.e., bribe taking by government officials) in a country and economic growth Is corruption always badAnswer: Economic evidence suggests that high levels of corruption significantly reduce the economic growth rate in a country. By siphoning off profits, corrupt politicians and bureaucrats reduce the returns to business investment, and hence, reduce the incentive that both domestic and foreign businesses have to invest in that country. The lower level of investment that results has a negative impact on economic growth. However, while most students will probably agree that corruption is bad, some may point out that the U.S., despite its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, does allow “grease payments” to expedite or secure the performance of a routine governmental action. According to Congress, “grease payments” while technically bribes are not being used to obtain or maintain business, but rather are simply made to facilitate performance of duties that the recipients are already obligated to perform.4. The Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen argues that the concept of development should be broadened to include more than just economic development. What other factors does Sen think should be included in an assessment of development How might adoption of Sen’s views influence government policy Do you think Sen is correct that development is about more than just economic development Explain.Answer: Sen has argued that development be assessed less by material output measures such as GNP per capita, and more by the capabilities and opportunities that people enjoy. Sen suggests that development be seen as a process of expanding real freedoms that people experience, and as such, that development requires the removal of major impediments to freedom. Governments influenced by Sen might ensure that basic health care and education programs are available especially for women. Many students will agree with Sen and the notion that development is not just an economic process, but a political one too, and that to succeed citizens must be given a voice in the important decisions made for the country.5. You are the CEO of a company that has to choose between making a $100 million investment in either Russia or the Czech Republic. Both investments promise the same long-run return, so your choice of which investment to make is driven by considerations of risk. Assess the various risks of doing business in each of these nations. Which investment would you favor and whyAnswer: When assessing the risks of investment, one should consider the political, economic, and legal risks of doing business in either Russia or the Czech Republic. At this time (Fall 2002), the risk in Russia would probably be considered higher than the risk in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has just been accepted as a future member of the EU, and as such gains the benefits and stability offered by the EU. Russia, by contrast, is still many years away from even being in a position to be considered by the EU for membership. Depending upon when you are using the book, this situation could be different. (You also may want to substitute other countries into this question depending on current events and the countries with which you feel your students will be most familiar.)6. Read the Country Focus on India in this chapter and answer the following questions:a. What kind of economic system did India operate during 1947-1990 What kind of system is it moving towards today What are the impediments to completing this transformationb. How might widespread public ownership of businesses and extensive government regulations have impacted (i) the efficiency of state and private businesses, and (ii) the rate of new business formation in India during the 1947-1990 time frame How do you think these factors affected the rate of economic growth in India during this time framec. How would privatization, deregulation, and the removal of barriers to foreign direct investment affect the efficiency of business, new business formation, and the rate of economic growth in India during the post-1990 time periodd. India now has pockets of strengths in key high technology industries such as software and pharmaceuticals. Why do you think India is developing strength in these areas How might success in these industries help to generate growth in other sectors of the Indian economye. Given what is now occurring in the Indian economy, do you think that the country represents an attractive target for inward investment by foreign multinationals selling consumer products WhyAnswer:a. The economic system that developed in India after 1947 was a mixed economy characterized by a large number of state-owned enterprises, centralized planning, and subsidies. In 1991, India’s government embarked on an ambitious economic reform program. Much of the industrial licensing system was dismantled, and several areas once closed to the private sector were opened. In addition, investment by foreign companies was welcomed, and plans to start privatizing state-owned businesses were announced. India has posted impressive gains since 1991, however there are still impediments to further transformation. Attempts to reduce import tariffs have been stalled by political opposition from employers, employees, and politicians. Moreover, the privatization program has been slowed thanks to actions taken by the Supreme Court. Finally, extreme poverty continues to plague the country.b. The mixed economy that developed in India after 1947 was characterized by a large number of state-owned enterprises, centralized planning, and subsidies. This system not only constrained the growth of the private sector, but it also consequently limited the effects of competition that typically promote efficiency and productivity in a free market system. The system even limited the actions of private companies, requiring them to get government approval for routine business activities. Production quotas and high import tariffs also stunted the development of a healthy private sector, as did restrictive labor laws that made it difficult to fire employees. Foreign exchange restrictions, limitations on foreign investment, controls on land use, and managed prices further exacerbated the situation. It would appear that India’s rate of economic growth was negatively affected during this time frame. By 1994, India’s economy was still smaller than Belgium’s despite having a large population. Both GDP and literacy rates were very low, and some 40 percent of the population lived in poverty.c. In 1991, India’s government embarked on an ambitious economic reform program. So far, the response to the program has been impressive. The economy expanded at an annual rate of about 6.3 percent from 1994 to 2004. Foreign investment is up from $150 million in 1990 to $6 billion in 2005. Certain sectors of the economy including information technology and pharmaceuticals have done particularly well. Still, problems persist. Actions taken by the government continue to limit efficiency gains for private companies and the country’s high rate of poverty is still a major problem.d. India’s gains in information technology and pharmaceuticals are impressive. The country has emerged as a vibrant global center for software development, and India’s pharmaceutical companies have taken a strong global position by selling low cost generic versions of drugs that have come of patent in the developed world. As these industries continue to prosper, other sectors of the economy should also see the benefit of spillover effects.e. Foreign investment is up in India. In fact, foreign investment rose from $150 million in 1990 to $6 billion in 2005. However, whether India is an attractive destination for foreign multinationals selling consumer products remains to be seen. Certainly, the large population will serve to attract some companies, but the fact that some 40 percent of the population is living in abject poverty will scare other companies away. Moreover, it is still not easy to run a company in India thanks to laws limiting everything from who can be fired to who can which products.Chapter 3: Differences in Culture1. Outline why the culture of a country influences the costs of doing business in that country. Illustrate your answer with examples.Answer: Since in a sense the entire chapter is about this question, there can be numerous reasons and examples of how culture influences the costs of doing business. Several are highlighted in the following sentences, but there could be numerous others. When there are simply different norms between how individuals from different countries interact, the costs of doing business rise as people grapple with unfamiliar ways of doing business. For example, while in the US we may get down to business first, and then get to know each other socially later, in many South American countries it is important develop a good social relationship before trying to discuss business issues. Different class structures and social mobility also raise the costs of doing business, for if there are inhibitions against working with people from different classes, then the efficiency with which information can flow may be limited and the cost of running a business increased. A country's religion can also affect the costs of business, as religious values can affect attitudes towards work, entrepreneurship, honesty, fairness, and social responsibility. In Hindu societies where the pursuit of material well-being can be viewed as making spiritual well being less likely, worker productivity may be lower than in nations with other religious beliefs. Finally, a country's education system can have important implications for the costs of business. In countries where workers receive excellent training and are highly literate, the need for specific worker training programs are decreased and the hiring of additional employees is facilitated. 2. Do you think business practices in an Islamic country are likely to differ from business practices in the United States If so, howAnswer: A number of aspects of the cultural differences between an Islamic country and the USA will cause business practices to differ. The role women can take, appropriate etiquette (including simple things like not passing papers with the left hand), holidays, and wining and dining all differ from in the USA. But beyond these, the underlying philosophy and role of business differs from in the USA. Since Muslims are stewards of property for God, rather than owners, they are more likely to use their resources carefully and may be less likely to give up or sell something to a person who may not practice the same stewardship. The importance of fairness to all parties in relations means that over-aggressiveness in self-interest may not be well received, and breaking an agreement, even if technically/legally permissible may be viewed as very inappropriate. Finally, the prohibitions on interest payments in some Islamic countries means that the wording of the terms of an agreement must be done carefully so that "fair profits" are not construed as being "interest payments."3. What are the implications for international business of differences in the dominant religion of a country Answer: Differences in the dominant religion of a country affect relationships, attitudes toward business, and overall economic development. Firstly, differences in religion require inter-cultural sensitivity. This sensitivity requiresthings like simply knowing the religious holidays, accepting that some unexpected things may happen "because of Allah's will," or understanding how interpersonal relationships may be different between "believers" and "non-believers." (Hence non-believers may be treated differently.) Secondly, religious beliefs can significantly affect a countries attitude toward business, work, and entrepreneurship. In one country successfully beating a competitor may be considered a great achievement while in another it may be thought of as showing a lack of compassion and disruptive to the society and persons involved, both attitudes that may be derived from underlying religious beliefs. Likewise, hard work may be either rewarded positively or viewed as something of secondary importance to spiritual peace and harmony. Thirdly, different dominant religions may affect the overall competitiveness and potential for economic growth of a nation, and hence attractiveness of a country for international business.4. Choose two countries that appear to be culturally diverse. Compare the culture of those countries andthen indicate how cultural differences influence(1)the costs of doing business in each country(2)the likely future economic development of that country(3)business practices(4)business ethicsAnswer: Responses to this question will obviously vary based on the countries chosen by the students, and their knowledge of the countries. Hopefully the student can present some information on the dimensions of culture including values, norms, social structure, religion, language, and education of the countries and also describe the key differences and similarities of the countries along these dimensions. Relating the differences between the countries along these dimensions to differences in the costs of doing business, the potential for economic development, and business practices would fully answer the question. (While it may be more difficult for students to come up with really good examples relative to business practices, the costs and prospects for economic development should be quite feasible.)Chapter 4: Ethics in International Business1. Review the Management Focus on testing drugs in the developing world and discuss the following questions:(a) Did Pfizer behave unethically by rushing to take advantage of an epidemic in Nigeria in order to test an experimental drug on sick children Should the company have proceeded more carefully(b) Is it ethical to test an experimental drug on children in emergency settings in the developing world where the overall standard of health care is much lower than in the developed world, and where proper protocols might not be followedAnswer: Some students might argue that Pfizer was between a rock and a hard place. The company needed to test its drug on children prior to getting FDA approval, yet the company could not find enough sick children to properly test the drug. Most students will probably agree that the company acted irresponsibly with its testing in Nigeria, and that the company should have proceeded more carefully, but some students may also suggest that had the drug proved to be extremely successful in treating bacterial meningitis, Pfizer might have been seen as a hero, despite its questionable ethics.2. A visiting American executive finds that a foreign subsidiary in a poor nation has hired a 12-year old girl to work on a factory floor, in violation of the company’s prohibition on child labor. He tells the local manager to replace the child and tell her to go back to school. The local manager tells the American executive that the child is an orphan with no other means of support, and she will probably become a street child if she is denied work. What should the American executive doAnswer: This question, illustrating a potentially very real ethical dilemma facing managers working in foreign subsidiaries, is designed to stimulate class discussion. Students should recognize that neither alternative—violating the company’s position on child labor, nor putting the child out on the streets—seems acceptable. In the end, many students may agree that allowing the child to continue to work in the factory is the lesser of the two evils.3. Drawing upon John Rawls’ concept, the veil of ignorance, develop an ethical code that will(a) guide the decisions of a large oil multinational towards environmental protection, and(b) influence the policies of a clothing company to outsource its manufacturing processAnswer: According to John Rawls, a decision is just and ethical if people would allow for it when designing a social system under a veil of ignorance. Rawls’veil of ignorance is a conceptual tool that can contribute towards the moral compass that managers can use to help them navigate through difficult ethical dilemmas. This question can produce some interesting responses particularly in a class with a diverse group of nationalities.4. Under what conditions is it ethically defensible to outsource production to producers in the developing world who have much lower labor costs when such actions also involve laying off long term employees in the firm’s home countryAnswer: This question is likely to stimulate some lively discussion, particularly if students have personally felt the impact of this practice. Many American companies are outsourcing not only blue collar work, but white collar positions to the developing world. Students are facing a tenuous job market where positions that they may have sought when they began their college degrees are being “shipped abroad.” Some students will argue that companies have to do what is best for all stakeholders, and if that means taking advantage of cheaper labor costs elsewhere, then that is the appropriate strategy. Others however, will probably argue that companies owe a social debt to their home countries, and that loyalty from long term employees should be rewarded.5. Are facilitating payments ethicalAnswer: Students will probably be divided on this question, and a lively debate should ensue. Certainly, the notion of when in Rome, do as the Romans do. However, those taking this perspective should recognize that it may be difficult to draw the line on exactly what is acceptable under this guise, and when bribery goes too far.Chapter 5: International Trade Theory。
