International Business Homework : Country Analysis Report

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Global Business Today 9e

by Charles W.L. Hill

and Tomas Hult

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Chapter 2

National Differences

in Political, Economic, and Legal Systems

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Learning Objectives

The learning objectives for this chapter are to:

Understand how the political systems of countries differ.

Understand how the economic systems of countries differ.

Understand how the legal systems of countries differ.

Explain the implications for management practice of national differences in political economy.

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Introduction

Question: What is the political economy of a country?

Answer:

A country’s political economy refers to its political, economic, and legal systems

These systems are interdependent, and interact and influence each other

A country’s political system has major implications for the practice of international business

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Political Systems

Political system: the system of government in a nation

Political systems can be assessed in terms of the degree to which they:

Emphasize collectivism as opposed to individualism

Are democratic or totalitarian

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Collectivism and Individualism

Collectivism: a system that stresses the primacy of collective goals over individual goals

Can be traced to the Greek philosopher Plato

Today, socialists support collectivism

When collectivism is emphasized, the needs of the society as whole are generally viewed as being more important than individual freedoms

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Collectivism and Individualism
(continued from Slide 2-6)

Socialism

Modern socialists trace their roots to Karl Marx

Advocated state ownership of the basic means of production, distribution, and exchange

The state then manages the enterprises for the benefit of society as a whole

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Collectivism and Individualism
(continued from Slide 2-7)

In the early 20th century, socialism split into communists and social democrats:

Communists - socialism could only be achieved though revolution and totalitarian dictatorship

Social democrats worked to achieve the same goals by democratic means

Many state-owned enterprises failed to succeed, and many nations implemented privatization programs

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Collectivism and Individualism
(continued from Slide 2-8)

Individualism: suggests individuals should have freedom over their economic and political pursuits

Can be traced to Aristotle who argued that individual diversity and private ownership are desirable

Individualism stresses:

Individual freedom and self-expression

Letting people pursue their own self-interests to achieve the best overall good for society

Democratic systems and free markets

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Note: In recent years that has been some movement back toward socialist ideals in several Latin American countries including Venezuela, Bolivia, and Paraguay, and also in Russia.

Country Focus: Venezuela under Hugo Chavez, 1999-2013

Summary

This feature explores the political and economic situation in Venezuela under Hugo Chavez. When Chavez, who was elected president in 1998, ran on a platform against corruption and economic mismanagement, Venezuela’s economy was in a deep recession. Once in office, Chavez consolidated his hold over the government by drafting a new constitution that put him in power until 2012. Chavez died in 2013, but during his presidency Venezuela was considered to be only “partly free.” Economically, things were also difficult for Venezuela. Chavez did achieve some gains. Unemployment, though still high, fell to 7.6 percent in 2013 from its high of 14.5 percent in 1998. Similarly, poverty remained a problem despite falling from 50 percent to 28 percent in 2012. Yet, corruption was rampant, and there was a move to take certain industries into state ownership, with the oil industry being a particular target.

Suggested Discussion Questions

Please see Critical Thinking Question 5 for discussion of this feature.

Lecture Note: Since Chavez’s death in 2013, the situation in Venezuela has become extremely uncertain. To learn more, consider {http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-08-12/venezuela-sees-chavez-friends-rich-after-his-death-amid-poverty} and {http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-05-03/chavez-food-utopia-withers-as-development-plans-left-unfulfilled}.

Democracy and Totalitarianism

Question: What is the difference between a democracy and totalitarianism?

Answer:

Democracy: political system in which government is by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives

Most common form today is representative democracy- elected representatives vote on behalf of constituents

Totalitarianism: form of government in which one person or political party exercises absolute control over all spheres of human life, and opposing political parties are prohibited

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Democracy and Totalitarianism
(continued from Slide 2-10)

In most totalitarian regimes:

There is widespread political repression

There are no free and fair elections

Media is censored

Basic civil liberties are denied

Challenges to the regime are prohibited

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Democracy and Totalitarianism
(continued from Slide 2-11)

There are four major forms of totalitarianism today:

Communist totalitarianism: advocates achieving socialism through totalitarian dictatorship

Theocratic totalitarianism: political power is monopolized by a party, group, or individual that governs according to religious principles

Tribal totalitarianism: a political party that represents the interests of a particular tribe monopolizes power

Right wing totalitarianism: individual economic freedom is allowed but individual political freedom is restricted in the belief that it could lead to communism

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Pseudo-Democracies

Many nations lie between pure democracy and complete totalitarianism

Follow an imperfect or pseudo-democracy

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Economic Systems

Political ideology and economic systems are connected

There are three types of economic systems: the market economy, the command economy, and the mixed economy

A free market system is likely in countries where individual goals are given primacy over collective goals

State-owned enterprises and restricted markets are common in countries where collective goals are dominant

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Market Economy

In a pure market economy the goods and services that a country produces, and the quantity in which they are produced is determined by supply and demand

Consumers, through their purchases, determine what is produced and in what quantity

Interaction of supply and demand determines production

The role of government is to encourage free and fair competition between private producers

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Command Economy

In a pure command economy the goods and services that a country produces, the quantity in which they are produced, and the price at which they are sold are all planned by the government

All businesses are state-owned, and so have little incentive to control costs and be efficient

Because there is no private ownership, there is little incentive to better serve consumer needs

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Mixed Economy

A mixed economy includes some elements of a market economy and some elements of a command economy

Governments tend to take over troubled firms that are considered to be vital to national interests

The number of mixed economies in the world today is falling

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Legal Systems

The legal system of a country refers to the rules, or laws, that regulate behavior, along with the processes by which the laws of a country are enforced and through which redress for grievances is obtained

A country’s legal system is important because laws:

Regulate business practice

Define the manner in which business transactions are to be executed

Set down the rights and obligations of those involved in business transactions

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Different Legal Systems

There are three main types of legal systems:

Common law: based on tradition, precedent, and custom

Found in most of Great Britain’s former colonies, including the United States

Civil law: based on a very detailed set of laws organized into codes

Found in over 80 countries, including Germany, France, Japan, and Russia

Theocratic law: based on religious teachings

Islamic law is the most widely practiced

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Differences in Contract Law

Question: How do common law and civil differ?

They approach contract law (the body of law that governs contract enforcement) differently

A contract specifies the conditions under which an exchange is to occur and details the rights and obligations of the parties involved

In a common law state, contracts are very detailed with all contingencies spelled out

In a civil law state, contracts are shorter and much less specific

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Differences in Contract Law
(continued from Slide 2-20)

Question: In a contract dispute, which country’s laws should apply?

Answer:

The United Nations Convention in Contracts for the International Sales of Goods (CIGS) establishes a uniform set of rules governing certain aspects of the making and performance of everyday commercial contracts between sellers and buyers who have their places of business in different nations

Countries that adopt CIGS signal to other nations that they will treat the Convention’s rules as part of their law

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Property Rights and Corruption

Property rights: the legal rights over the use to which a resource is put and over the use made of any income that may be derived from that resource

Property rights can be violated by:

Private action: theft, piracy, blackmail, and the like by private individuals or groups

Public action: public officials extort income or resources from property holders

Excessive taxation, requiring expensive licenses or permits from property holders, or taking assets into state ownership without compensating the owners

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Property Rights and Corruption
(continued from Slide 2-22)

Corruption is present in all countries to some degree, however when a country has a high level of corruption:

Foreign direct investment falls

International trade falls

Economic growth falls

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Country Focus: Corruption in Nigeria

Summary

This feature describes the corruption that has characterized Nigeria’s economy over the last 50 years. When the country initially gained its independence from Britain in 1960, expectations were high that Nigeria would become an economic heavyweight in Africa. With abundant natural resources and a large population, it seemed the stage was set for success. However, the 2012 United Nations Human Development Index ranked the country 153 out of 187 nations, noting that Nigeria suffers from extreme poverty, illiteracy, and high debt. Several factors have been blamed for Nigeria’s troubles including political instability and corruption. Furthermore, in 2013 Transparency International still ranked Nigeria one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Suggested Discussion Questions

1. What is meant by corruption? Explain how a corrupt political system affects the well being of a country. What are the implications of corruption for Nigeria?

Discussion Points: Corruption in Nigeria involves open and systematic plundering of the nation’s state treasury. Bribery is also a regular part of business. In fact, the situation in Nigeria is so dismal that Transparency International ranked Nigeria one of the most corrupt countries in the world in 2013. When a country experiences this sort of activity, returns on business investments are lower, and there is less incentive for inward foreign direct investment. Most students will recognize that this then negatively affects economic growth.

2. With its huge oil reserves and large population, Nigeria was expected to emerge as a major player in Africa. Yet today the country is extremely poor with little expectation for an economic turnaround any time in the near future. Explain how Nigeria came to be in such a sad state.

Discussion Points: Studies show that countries with high levels of corruption have lower inward foreign direct investment, lower levels of international trade, and poor levels of economic growth. Nigeria is a perfect example of this type of country. Political strife resulting from in-fighting between the various tribes and ethnic groups within the nation has led to instability and questionable legitimacy in the government. Military dictatorships were inept and corrupt. Because the country is viewed so poorly thanks to its level of corruption and political instability, investors are reluctant to bring in the kinds of funds that could help the economy grow.

3. Clearly, Nigeria’s corrupt government has been a major factor in the country’s demise. In contrast, other countries including Finland and Canada expressly prohibit corruption. In your opinion, would Nigeria be better off following the example of countries like Finland and Canada? Why or why not?

Discussion Points: Many students will probably suggest that even if Nigeria explicitly prohibits corrupt behavior, it is unlikely to have little effect on the real way of doing business in the country. Other students however, may note that Nigeria’s newly elected president, Goodluck Jonathon, has promised to put an end to corruption in the country, and is being seen by voters as a force for the future.

Teaching Tip: The CIA’s World Factbook on Nigeria {https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ni.html} provides a wealth of information on the country.

Teaching Tip: To learn more about Transparency International’s corruption ranking of Nigeria and general perspective of the country go to {http://www.transparency.org/country}.

Property Rights and Corruption
(continued from Slide 2-23)

Rankings of Corruption by Country, 2013

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Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act limits corruption in the U.S

It is illegal to bribe a foreign government official in order to obtain or maintain business over which the foreign official has authority

All publicly traded companies must keep detailed records so that it is clear whether a violation of the act has occurred

Facilitating or expediting payments to secure the performance of routine government actions are permitted

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Management Focus: Did Walmart Violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?

Summary

This feature explores corruption at Walmart’s Mexico division where managers allegedly bribed Mexican government officials to obtain permission to build the San Juan Teotihuacan store in the early 2000s. After leaders at Walmart’s headquarters were alerted of the situation, Walmart launched an internal investigation. However, the investigation was turned over to Walmart Mexico to complete and only after a 2012 New York Times article again raised questions about the situation did Walmart reopen the investigation. Today, the company has spent more than $300 million on lawyers looking into the issue and Walmart is also facing scrutiny by the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Suggested Discussion Questions

Please see Critical Thinking Question 6 for discussion of this feature.

Protection of Intellectual Property

Intellectual property: property that is the product of intellectual activity

Intellectual property rights include:

Patents: give the inventor exclusive rights to the manufacture, use, or sale of that invention

Copyrights: exclusive legal rights of authors, composers, playwrights, artists, and publishers to publish and dispose of their work as they see fit

Trademarks: designs and names, often officially registered, by which merchants or manufacturers designate and differentiate their products

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Internet Extra: National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center is the U.S government’s web page on intellectual property rights. The site is at {http://www.iprcenter.gov/}.

Protection of Intellectual Property
(continued from Slide 2-26)

The protection of intellectual property rights differs greatly from country to country

185 nations are members of the World Intellectual Property Organization

Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property: agreement signed by 170+ countries to protect intellectual property rights

Enforcement is lax in many nations especially in China and Thailand

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Protection of Intellectual Property
(continued from Slide 2-27)

Companies can respond to violations of intellectual property by:

Lobbying governments for better laws and enforcement of those laws

Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) - requires WTO members to grant and enforce patents lasting at least 20 years and copyrights lasting 50 years

Filing lawsuits

Avoiding countries with poor intellectual property laws

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Management Focus: Starbucks Wins Key Trademark Case in China

Summary

This feature focuses on intellectual property laws in China. When Starbucks entered China in 1999, the company was quickly challenged by a look-alike competitor, Shanghai Xing Ba Ke Coffee Shop. Not only did the name Xing Ba Ke mimic the Starbucks name, but Xing Ba Ke’s stores were virtual replicas of those operated by Starbucks. In 2003, Starbucks sued Xing Ba Ke for trademark violations. In 2006, Starbucks won its case, and Xing Ba Ke was fined $62,000 and ordered to stop using its name. The case was seen as a break through of sorts, a signal that China was finally caving to pressure from other nations and the World Trade Organization to respect intellectual property rights. Today, Starbucks operates over 400 stores in China and expects the market to become second only to the U.S.

Suggested Discussion Questions

1. Discuss the concept of property rights protection and why it is so important to companies. What does the court ruling against Xing Ba Ke mean for other companies that are already doing business in China, or are considering entering the market?

Discussion Points: Most students will recognize that firms that depend on proprietary property such a brand name or technology for their competitive advantage probably also rely on property rights protection to ensure that competitors cannot benefit from their efforts. The finding against Xing Ba Ke is a symbol that property rights protection should be taken seriously, and that blatant violations of property rights will not be tolerated.

2. How important is the Chinese market to Starbucks? Does the presence of look-alike companies like Xing Ba Ke deter firms from entering the market?

Discussion Points: With its growing middle class, the potential in the Chinese market is vast. Some students might argue that the presence of Xing Ba Ke is actually a positive force for Starbucks in that the coffee shop helps to promote the idea of coffee consumption in the Starbucks’ way. Most students however, will probably suggest that companies like Xing Ba Ke are a nuisance because they could potentially damage the reputation of Starbucks if customers have a negative experience at the stores, and because they require constant monitoring, are a drain on profits.

Lecture Note: To extend this discussion, consider {http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-04-03/starbuckss-howard-schultz-on-mobile-payments-china-and-oprah} and {http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-09-24/starbucks-expanding-into-russia-s-urals-even-as-sanctions-mount}.

Teaching Tip: To explore Starbucks in more depth, go to the company’s web site at {http://www.starbucks.com/}. Click on “International” to explore individual country sites.

Product Safety and Liability

Product safety laws set certain safety standards to which a product must adhere

Product liability involves holding a firm and its officers responsible when a product causes injury, death, or damage

Liability laws are usually least extensive in less developed countries

Firms must decide whether to adhere to the standards of the home country or the standards of the host country

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Implications for Managers

Question: What are the implications of the political economy for international businesses?

Answer:

The political, economic, and legal systems of a country raise important ethical issues that have implications for the practice of international business

The political, economic, and legal environment of a country clearly influences the attractiveness of that country as a market and/or investment site

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Summary

In this chapter we have:

Explored how the political systems of countries differ.

Explored how the economic systems of countries differ.

Explored how the legal systems of countries differ.

Explained the implications for management practice of national differences in political economy.

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Note: In recent years that has been some movement back toward socialist ideals in several Latin American countries including Venezuela, Bolivia, and Paraguay, and also in Russia.

Country Focus: Venezuela under Hugo Chavez, 1999-2013

Summary

Suggested Discussion Questions

Please see Critical Thinking Question 5 for discussion of this feature.

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

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Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

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Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

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Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

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Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

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Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Country Focus: Corruption in Nigeria

Summary

Suggested Discussion Questions

1. What is meant by corruption? Explain how a corrupt political system affects the well being of a country. What are the implications of corruption for Nigeria?

Teaching Tip: The CIA’s World Factbook on Nigeria {https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ni.html} provides a wealth of information on the country.

Teaching Tip: To learn more about Transparency International’s corruption ranking of Nigeria and general perspective of the country go to {http://www.transparency.org/country}.

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

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Management Focus: Did Walmart Violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?

Summary

Suggested Discussion Questions

Please see Critical Thinking Question 6 for discussion of this feature.

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Internet Extra: National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center is the U.S government’s web page on intellectual property rights. The site is at {http://www.iprcenter.gov/}.

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Lecture Script 6-*

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Management Focus: Starbucks Wins Key Trademark Case in China

Summary

Suggested Discussion Questions

2. How important is the Chinese market to Starbucks? Does the presence of look-alike companies like Xing Ba Ke deter firms from entering the market?

Teaching Tip: To explore Starbucks in more depth, go to the company’s web site at {http://www.starbucks.com/}. Click on “International” to explore individual country sites.

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing

Lecture Script 6-*