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Global Business Today Tenth Edition
Chapter 2
National Differences in Political, Economic, and
Legal Systems
Chapter Outline
OPENING CASE: Economic Transformation in Vietnam
INTRODUCTION
POLITICAL SYSTEMS
Collectivism and Individualism
Country Focus: Putinโs Russia
Democracy and Totalitarianism
ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
Market Economy
Command Economy
Mixed Economy
LEGAL SYSTEMS
Different Legal Systems
Differences in Contract Law
Property Rights and Corruption
Management Focus: Did Walmart Violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?
Country Focus: Corruption in Brazil
The Protection of Intellectual Property
Management Focus: Starbucks Wins Key Trademark Case in China
Product Safety and Product Liability
FOCUS ON MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The Macro Environment Influences Market
Attractiveness
KEY TERMS
SUMMARY
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Global Business Today Tenth Edition
Chapter 2
CRITICAL THINKING AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
globalEDGE Research Task
CLOSING CASE: Venezuela Under Hugo Chavez and Beyond
Learning Objectives
2.1 Understand how the political systems of countries differ.
2.2 Understand how the economic systems of countries differ.
2.3 Understand how the legal systems of countries differ.
2.4 Explain the implications for management practice of national difference in political economy.
Chapter Summary
This chapter focuses on the different political, economic, and legal systems that are influential in
the world. It is made clear to the reader that these differences are significant, and must be clearly
understood by the managers of international firms. The section focusing on legal systems includes
a discussion of intellectual property including patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Protecting
intellectual property is a particularly problematic issue in international trade. Finally, the chapter
ends with a discussion of the managerial implications of differing political, economic, and legal
systems of a country.
Chapter Activity
In this activity, students will research and reflect on legal and political systems in several countries.
Use www.globalEDGE.com to research the legal and representative political systems in the United
States, Canada, Britain, and other advanced economies. The basic tenet of the U.S. system is
preservation of individual rights, and this may be grounded in Americaโs passion with
individualism. Explain that the US scores very high on Hofstedeโs individualism vs. collectivism
dimension of cultural differences (more on this in Chapter 4). Suggest that individualistic cultures
value:
โข
Individual responsibility for decisions
โข
Individual freedoms and achievement
โข
Decisions can be rapid
โข
Importance of nuclear family
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โข
Chapter 2
Rewards given to those who venture into business alone โ the entrepreneur
Cultures including Russian, Chinese, and Indian may be more collectivist and may employ more
authoritarian political systems and planned economic systems. Suggest that collectivist cultures
value:
โข
Group and shared responsibility for decisions
โข
Decisions may be slow, consensual, and consultative
โข
Group nurtures individual.
โข
Importance of extended families and in-group priorities
โข
Recognition of collective business ventures, with family and friends
As students work through this chapter, ask them to research the evolution of political and legal
systems in a country they are familiar with (not the US) by using www.globalEDGE.com. Some
traditionally authoritarian countries are transitioning towards representative governments: suggest
that this may be in response to changes driven by globalization and technology.
Economic Transformation in Vietnam
opening case
Summary
The opening case follows the development of the Vietnamese economy from 1986. Vietnam has
become a country that liberalized many aspects of its economic activity over the past three decades.
This allowed the country to increase its gross domestic product from $100 per person in 1986 to
$5,700 in 2014. Rather than rely solely on state-owned enterprises, a series of efforts at
liberalization began starting in 1986. Agricultural lands were turned over to private ownership and
state farm collectives were dismantled. Then, after the success of these reforms, some forms of
private enterprises were allowed and many price controls were removed. Despite these economic
advancements, democratization has not occurred and corruption is a recurring problem. A
discussion of the case can involve the following questions:
Discussion Questions
QUESTION 1: Evaluate the relative success of economic liberalization efforts in Vietnam. How
have these actions improved life for everyday citizens in the country? What prospects may allow
Vietnam to continue on its path of economic development?
ANSWER 1: In a comparison of 1986 to 2014, economic liberalization has increased the standard
of living in Vietnam. Gross domestic product has increased from $100 to $5,700 per person, the
countryโs agriculture infrastructure has been privatized, and market-oriented enterprises have been
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allowed to develop. Based on these changes, Vietnam is now in a position to take part in the Trans
Pacific Partnership which would further open the countryโs economy and provide greater access to
the global economy for both companies as well as consumers.
QUESTION 2: How has Vietnam balanced the economic reforms with the social and cultural
changes that result from such actions? What are some of the challenges that the countryโs leaders
will face if it continues as a more market-based economy?
ANSWER 2: The Communist Party has focused on the development of the economy almost
exclusively. In fact, any effort of democratization has not taken place. Country leaders have
maintained firm control over the political and judicial systems. Also, corruption continues to be a
problem in Vietnam. As a result, if the country continues on a market-based path, the Communist
Party may need to address not only the increased choice that is offered by such an effort, but also
deal with corruption in the country as it tends to reduce the ability of a country to be driven by
market forces.
Teaching Tip: Students can examine Vietnam in greater detail at the CIAโs World Factbook
website at {https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vm.html}.
Lecture Note: To extend the discussion, consider the growth and expansion of Vietnamโs
economy. To learn more, go to {http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-18/vietnamgrowth-makes-it-emerging-market-standout-in-shaky-world} and
{http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-24/as-japan-grays-retailers-covet-youthfulmasses-in-vietnam}.
Chapter Outline with Lecture Notes, Video Notes, and
Teaching Tips
Introduction
A) Different countries have different political, economic, and legal systems. Cultural practices can
vary dramatically from country to country, as can the education and skill level of the population.
All of these differences have major implications for the practice of international business.
B) This chapter explores how the political, economic, and legal systems of countries differ.
Together these systems are known as the political economy of a country.
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C) The opening case on the changing economic landscape in Vietnam illustrates how economic
growth in a country can be driven by necessity for growth within a command economy structure.
A series of market-based reforms introduced by the Communist Party beginning in 1986 brought
about unprecedented growth in the economy. However, more recently, some command economy
tools such as price controls have been reinstituted to a degree. Today, the country faces the
potential for continued economic growth with the initiation of the Trans Pacific Partnership.
Political Systems
A) By political system we mean the system of government in a nation. Political systems can be
assessed according to two related dimensions. The first is the degree to which they emphasize
collectivism as opposed to individualism. The second dimension is the degree to which they are
democratic or totalitarian.
COLLECTIVISM AND INDIVIDUALISM
B) Collectivism refers to a system that stresses the primacy of collective goals over individual
goals. When collectivism is emphasized, the needs of the society as whole are generally viewed as
being more important than individual freedoms. Advocacy of collectivism can be traced to Plato,
in modern times the collectivist mantle has been picked up by socialists, and their champion, Karl
Marx.
Socialism
C) Communists generally believed that this could only be achieved through violent revolution and
totalitarian dictatorship, while social democrats worked to achieve the same goals by democratic
means.
D) While state owned firms might have been intended to promote the public interest, experience
suggests that this is not always the case. In many countries, the performance of state owned
companies has been poor. Protected from significant competition by their monopoly position, and
guaranteed governmental financial assistance, many state owned enterprises became increasingly
inefficient. Consequently, a number of Western democracies voted social democratic parties out of
office and moved toward free market economies by selling state-owned enterprises to private
investors, a process known as privatization.
Individualism
E) Individualism refers to a political philosophy that an individual should have freedom over his
or her economic and political pursuits. In contrast to collectivism, individualism stresses that the
interests of the individual should take precedence over the interests of the state.
F) Individualism, while advocated by Aristotle, in modern days was encouraged by David Hume,
Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, and most recently, Friedrich von Hayek, James Buchanan, and
Milton Friedman. Individualism focuses on 1) guaranteeing individual freedom and selfexpression, and 2) letting people pursue their own self-interest in order to achieve the best overall
good for society. The U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights embody the spirit of
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individualism.
G) While collectivism asserts the primacy of the collective over the individual, individualism
asserts the opposite. This ideological difference shapes much of recent history and the Cold War.
Individualism is usually associated with democratic political systems and free markets.
country FOCUS: Putinโs Russia
Summary
This feature explores the state of the Russian economy since the collapse of the USSR, and in
particular under the leadership of Vladimir Putin. While Russiaโs economy has grown rapidly in
the so-called pseudo-democracy that now exists, the country is heavily dependent on oil and gas
exportsโboth industries that are still largely state controlled. Indeed, the presence of the
government remains an issue for the economy as a whole. Currently, roughly half of the total
economy is still controlled by the state, a situation that could hamper future growth. Even private
enterprises are dealing with considerable red tape and corrupt government officials. Both the
World Bank and Transparency International have highlighted these problems as factors preventing
commerce from flourishing in Russia.
Discussion Questions
QUESTION 1: Discuss the implications of corruption on the development and growth of a country.
How can Russiaโs current political system best be described? What conclusions can you draw
regarding Russiaโs economic prospects?
ANSWER 1: Since the collapse of the USSR, Russia has struggled to get its economy on track.
Today, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russiaโs economy is growing; however, there is
considerable concern that the governmentโs involvement in the business sector combined with high
level of corruption could hamper future economic growth. Both the World Bank and Transparency
International have raised the issue of corruption, giving the country poor rankings for ease of
starting a business and outright corruption levels. Most students will probably recognize that
corrupt behavior by government officials makes it very difficult for a country to gain traction.
Some students may also wonder whether Putinโs recent invasion of the Ukraine could signal an end
to the countryโs pseudo-democracy.
QUESTION 2: Discuss the pros and cons of investing in Russia. As a CEO of a company in the oil
industry would you invest in Russia? How does a stable government affect a countryโs ability to
attract investment?
ANSWER: In general, companies exploring the opportunity to expand into foreign markets will be
more attracted to countries where it is easy to conduct business as compared to locations where it is
not. That being said, many students will probably suggest that the situation in Russia today is a
tricky one. Corruption in the country is high, and the World Bank ranks Russia poorly on ease of
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doing business. Moreover, many students will probably advise caution given that the oil industry is
still largely under the control of the government. Some students may also wonder whether
sanctions by the United States and/or the European Union could further complicate matters if
Putinโs aggressive stance towards the Ukraine continues to persist.
Lecture Note: To extend this discussion, consider
{http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-13/a-fallen-russia-oligarch-sends-warning-torest-of-putin-insiders}.
Teaching Tip: Information on doing business in Russia is available at
{http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/russia} and
{http://moscow.usembassy.gov/business-russia.html}.
DEMOCRACY AND TOTALITARIANISM
H) Democracy and totalitarianism are at different ends of a political dimension. Democracy refers
to a political system in which government is by the people, exercised either directly or through
elected representatives. Totalitarianism is a 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.
Democracy
I) Democracy in its pure state, with each individual voting on every issue, has generally been
replaced by representative democracy, where elected representatives vote on behalf of
constituents.
Totalitarianism
J) Under totalitarianism, a single political party, individual, or group of individuals monopolize the
political power and do not permit opposition. There are four major forms of totalitarianism:
communist totalitarianism, (a form of totalitarianism that advocates achieving socialism through
totalitarian dictatorship), theocratic totalitarianism, (a form of totalitarianism in which political
power is monopolized by a party, group, or individual that governs according to religious
principles), tribal totalitarianism (a form of totalitarianism found mainly in Africa in which a
political party that represents the interests of a particular tribe monopolizes power), right wing
totalitarianism (a form of totalitarianism in which individual economic freedom is allowed but
individual political freedom is restricted in the belief that it could lead to communism). There has
been a general trend away from communist and right wing totalitarianism and towards democracy.
Video Note: Yum! has expanded its locations to include Myanmar. To learn more about how the
company is approaching the market, consider the video in the International Business Library at
http://bit.ly/MHEIBVideo called Yum! To Bring First KFC to Myanmar in 2015. Click โCtrl+Fโ
on your keyboard to search for the video title and access teaching notes.
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Additionally, our McGraw-Hill Education International Business Video Library at
http://bit.ly/MHEIBVideo provides on ongoing stream of updated video suggestions correlated by
key concept and major topic. Every new clip posted is supported by teaching notes, discussion
questions.
Please feel free to leave comments in the library that you feel might be helpful to your colleagues.
Pseudo-Democracies
K) The political system in many nations of the world can best be described as imperfect or pseudodemocraciesโlying somewhere between a pure democracy and complete totalitarianism.
Economic Systems
A) There is a connection between political ideology and economic systems. In countries where
individual goals are given primacy over collective goals, a free market system is more likely to
exist. In contrast, in countries where collective goals are dominant, enterprises may be stateowned, and markets may be restricted. Three broad types of economic systems can be identifiedโa
market economy, a command economy, and a mixed economy.
MARKET ECONOMY
B) In a pure market economy, the goods and services that a country produces, and the quantity in
which they are produced, is not planned by anyone. Rather price and quantity are determined by
supply and demand. For a market economy to function, there must be no restrictions on either
sideโ no monopolistic sellers. In a market economy, government encourages free and fair
competition between private producers.
COMMAND ECONOMY
C) 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.
Resources are allocated “for the good of society.” The government owns most, if not all,
businesses.
MIXED ECONOMY
D) A mixed economy includes some elements of each. Until recently, Great Britain, France, and
Sweden were all considered mixed economies. Today, however, as a result of extensive
privatization, these countries function as market economies. In contrast, in recent years Russia and
Venezuela have seen an increase in state-owned business.
Legal Systems
A) 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.
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B) The legal environment of a country is of immense importance to international business because
a countryโs laws regulate business practice, define the manner in which business transactions are to
be executed, and set down the rights and obligations of those involved in business transactions.
Differences in the structure of law can have an important impact upon the attractiveness of a
country as an investment site and/or market.
Teaching Tip: To learn more about international law and the legal systems of the countries of the
world consider {http://www.doingbusiness.org/law-library}.
DIFFERENT LEGAL SYSTEMS
C) There are three main types of legal systems in use around the world: common law, civil law,
and theocratic law.
Common Law
D) The common law system (based on tradition, precedent, and custom) evolved in England over
hundreds of years. It is now found in most of Great Britainโs former colonies, including the United
States.
Civil Law
E) A civil law system is based on a very detailed set of laws organized into codes. Over 80
countries, including Germany, France, Japan, and Russia, operate with a civil law system.
Theocratic Law
F) Islamic law is the most widely practiced theocratic law system (based on religious teachings) in
the modern world.
DIFFERENCES IN CONTRACT LAW
G) Contract law is the body of law that governs contract enforcement. A contract is a document
that specifies the conditions under which an exchange is to occur and details the rights and
obligations of the parties involved. 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. By adopting CIGS, a nation signals to other
nations that it will treat the Conventionโs rules as part of its law.
PROPERTY RIGHTS AND CORRUPTION
H) Control over property rights (the bundle of 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 source) are very important for
the functioning of business. Property rights can be violated by either private action (theft, piracy,
blackmail, Russian Mafia) or public action (governmental bribery and corruption,
nationalization).
Private Action
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I) Private action refers to theft, piracy, blackmail, and the like by private individuals or groups.
Public Action and Corruption
J) Public action to violate property rights occurs when public officials extort income or resources
from property holders using various legal mechanisms including excessive taxation, requiring
expensive licenses or permits from property holders, or taking assets into state ownership without
compensating the owners.
K) In some countries, corruption is kept to a minimum while in others corruption is rampant.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
L) The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act makes it a violation of the United States law to bribe a
foreign government official in order to obtain or maintain business over which the foreign official
has authority, and requires all publicly traded countries to keep detailed records so that it is clear
whether a violation of the act has occurred or not.
management FOCUS: Did Walmart Violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act?
Summary
This feature explores corruption at Walmartโs 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 Walmartโs 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.
Discussion Questions
Please see Critical Thinking Question 5 for discussion of this feature.
Did You Know Video Clip:
The video clip asks: โDid you know that itโs illegal for Americans to bribe public officials to gain
business in a foreign country, even if bribery is commonplace in that nation?โ
Suggested Questions
Question 1: What does the FCPA prohibit U.S. business leaders from doing in other countries?
Answer 1: It makes it illegal to bribe a foreign government official to obtain or maintain business
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over which that foreign official has authority, and it requires all publicly traded companies to keep
detailed records that would reveal whether a violation of the act has occurred.
Question 2: Do you agree with some people who say that that bribery is justified as normal
compensation in other countries for public officials who earn low wages?
Question 3: Do you agree with people who say that bribery may be justified to grease the wheels so
that business can be done in some countries?
Learn more about bribery around the world from the worldโs largest companies:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/12/03/how-the-worlds-biggest-companiesbribe-foreign-governments-in-11-charts/
country FOCUS: Corruption in Brazil
Summary
This country focus segment examines the extent of corruption in the country of Brazil. Even
though the country is the seventh-largest economy in the world and considered to be a moderately
free market economy, the corruption which exists in Brazil typically involves political connections.
This is reflected in the relatively high perception of corruption in international surveys on the
subject by Transparency International and the World Economic Forum. Known to exist for
decades, the mensalao (“monthly payoff”) and Petrobras scandals underscore the pervasiveness of
the problem in Brazil.
Discussion Questions
QUESTION 1: What is the nature of the mensalao scandal? How extensive was it? What was the
reaction in Brazil to its occurrence?
ANSWER 1: Even though a midlevel postal worker was caught taking a bribe for government
contract favors, the awarding of such contracts and the backing of specific government programs in
the Brazilโs National Congress involved about 25 politicians and business executives. Bribery,
money laundering, and corruption were the charges on which they were found guilty. Even though
the mensalao case became known in 2005, the public outcry was significant through the time this
case was resolved in the courts in 2012.
QUESTION 2: What was the extent of the Petrobras scandal? Who did it impact? What made this
case such a problem for Brazil?
ANSWER 2: The Petrobras scandal became known in 2014, although it had been taking place
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since 1997. Construction firms would pay bribes to the state-owned companyโs executives which
were typically politically appointed. A three percent fee was assessed to contracts and subsequently
shared by Petrobras executives, construction industry executives, and politicians. As the Brazilian
president, Dilma Rousseff, was chair of Petrobras at the time, her presidency was suspended and
she awaits an impeachment trial.
Teaching Tip: Students can explore past and present information concerning Transparency
Internationalโs Corruption Perceptions Index at
{http://www.transparency.org/research/cpi/overview}.
Lecture Note: To extend the discussion to include the economic impact of corruption in Brazil,
consider {http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-22/brazil-s-corruption-probe-causingparalysis-ge-s-rice-says}.
THE PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
M) Intellectual property refers to property, such as computer software, a screenplay, or the
chemical formula for a new drug that is the product of intellectual activity. Intellectual property
rights include patents (documents giving the inventor of a new product or process 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);
and trademarks (designs and names, often officially registered, by which merchants or
manufacturers designate and differentiate their products).
Teaching Tip: For information on intellectual property rights and policies go to the World Trade
Organizationโs web page at {http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/trips_e.htm} and the
United States Patent and Trade Officeโs web page {http://www.uspto.gov/ip/}.
N) The protection of intellectual property rights differs greatly from country to country. While
many countries have stringent intellectual property regulations on their books, the enforcement of
these regulations has often been lax.
Lecture Note: The U.S. Department of Commerce has made intellectual property protection a
priority. To learn more about what the Department is doing go to
{http://www.stopfakes.gov/about}.
Teaching Tip: For more information on U.S. Trademark law go to
{http://www.law.cornell.edu/topics/trademark.html}.
O) Over 185 nations are part of the World Intellectual Property Organization. These countries
have all signed an international agreement to protect intellectual property rights known as the Paris
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Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. In addition, an agreement known as the
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.
Teaching Tip: The World Intellectual Property Organization provides extensive information on
various treaties and agreements between countries regarding the protection of intellectual property.
Go to {http://www.wipo.int/portal/index.html.en} and click on About WIPO, and then on How
WIPO Works, and on Treaties.
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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 Keโs
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.
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 as 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 Starbucksโ
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.businessinsider.com/howstarbucks-is-different-in-china-2014-8}.
Teaching Tip: To explore Starbucks in more depth, go to the companyโs web site at
{http://www.starbucks.com/}. Click on โInternationalโ to explore individual country sites.
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Chapter 2
PRODUCT SAFETY AND PRODUCT LIABILITY
P) Different countries have different product safety laws (safety standards to which a product
must adhere). In some cases, businesses must customize products to adhere to local standards if
they are to do business in a country, whether these standards are higher or just different. Product
liability involves holding a firm and its officers responsible when a product causes death, injury, or
damage. Some executives believe that the high cost of liability insurance in U.S. hampers the
competitiveness of U.S. companies in the global marketplace.
Q) When product standards are lower in other countries, firms face an important ethical dilemma.
Should they produce products only of the highest standards even if this puts them at a competitive
disadvantage relative to other producers and results in not maximizing value to shareholders? Or
should they produce products that respond to local differences, even if that means that consumers
may not be assured of the same levels of safety in different countries?
FOCUS ON MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The Macro Environment
Influences Market Attractiveness
A) The material discussed in this chapter has two broad implications for international business.
First, political, economic, and legal systems of a country raise important ethical issues that have
implications for the practice of international business. Second, the political, economic, and legal
environments of a country clearly influence the attractiveness of that country as a market and/or
investment site.
B) The overall attractiveness of a country as a potential market and/or investment site for an
international business depends on balancing the benefits, costs, and risks associated with doing
business in that country.
C) In general, a country with democratic political institutions, a market-based economic system,
and strong legal system that protects property rights and limits corruption will be more attractive to
companies than a country that lacks democratic institutions, where there is strong government
regulation of economic activity, and where the level of corruption is high and the rule of law is not
respected.
Critical Thinking and Discussion Questions
1. 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
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Global Business Today Tenth Edition
Chapter 2
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 corporations 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 โthe good of the society.โ 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 predicated 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 35 yearsโSouth Korea,
Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kongโall 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 in a country (i.e., government officials taking
bribes) and economic growth? Is corruption always bad?
Answer: 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 United States, despite its Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act, does allow โgrease paymentsโ to expedite or secure the performance of a routine
governmental action. According to Congress, โgrease payments,โ 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. You are the CEO of a company that has to choose between making a $100 million investment in
either Russia or Poland. Both investments promise the same long-run return, so your choice of
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Global Business Today Tenth Edition
Chapter 2
which investment to make is driven by risk considerations. Assess the various risks of doing
business in each of these nations. Which investment would you favor and why?
Answer: When assessing the risks of investment, one should consider the political, economic, and
legal risks of doing business in either Russia or Poland. Today, the risk in Russia would probably
be considered higher than the risk in Poland. Poland has recently been accepted as a 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, and the
recent actions of President Vladimir Putin, particularly in the Ukraine, have been alarming to
many.
Lecture Note: Vladimir Putin may not be popular in the United States or Europe, but many
Russians support him. Even so, Russian consumers have cut spending, threatening continued
economic growth. To extend the discussion, consider exploring this interesting phenomenon with
{http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-08-28/putins-popularity-up-russian-economicprospects-down}.
5. Reread the Management Focus feature: Did Walmart Violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?
What is your opinion? If you think it did, what do you think the consequences will be for Walmart?
Answer: The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits companies from bribing foreign government
officials to obtain or maintain business over which that foreign official has authority. Most
students will probably agree that Walmart clearly violated the Act when it bribed Mexican officials
to redraw the zoning area so that Walmartโs San Juan Teotihuacan store could be built outside the
commercial-free zone rather than inside it. Students will probably suggest that Walmart is likely to
face significant fines if it is indeed found guilty of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Venezuela Under Hugo Chavez and Beyond
closing case
Summary
This closing case explores the political and economic situation in Venezuela under Hugo Chavez
and, after Chavezโs death, Nicolas Maduro. When Chavez, who was elected president in 1998, ran
on a platform against corruption and economic mismanagement, Venezuelaโs 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 โpartly free.โ 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. Following his
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Global Business Today Tenth Edition
Chapter 2
death, the situation for his successor, Nicolas Maduro, became worse. The decline in the price of
oil resulted in economic collapse with inflation reaching 275 percent, the poverty rate above 30
percent, and considerable value reduction of the Venezuelan currency, the bolivar. The result was
heavy loses in December 2015 parliamentary elections which saw the opposition gaining a
majority of seats over the ruling United Socialist Party.
QUESTION 1: Under Chavezโs leadership, what kind of economic system was put in place in
Venezuela? How would you characterize the political system?
ANSWER 1: Most students will probably agree that under Chavez, Venezuela moved toward a
socialist regime. Numerous enterprises were taken over by the state, and other companies were
forced into reorganizing as โworkersโ cooperatives.โ The government also extended its reach into
rural areas, where it seized farms and turned them into state-owned cooperatives. Chavez also used
some of the profits from the countryโs soaring oil revenues to increase government spending on
various social programs, some of which were modeled after programs in Cuba.
QUESTION 2: How do you think that Chavezโs unilateral changes to contracts with foreign oil
companies affected future investment by foreigners in Venezuela?
ANSWER 2: In the oil industry, which the country depends on for some 70 percent of its exports,
Chavez pushed out foreign companies, and expanded the hold of the state run company. Chavez
announced in 2005 that the state would increase its royalties on oil sales from 1 percent to 30
percent, and that in 2006, the tax rate of oil sales would also increase from 34 percent to 50
percent. Most students will recognize that by making it more difficult for foreign investors to do
business in the country, in the oil industry or otherwise, Chavez threatened future economic
growth. Indeed, oil production in the country has fallen by one third since 2000.
QUESTION 3: How will the high level of public corruption in Venezuela impact future growth
rates?
ANSWER 3: Corruption in Venezuela is rampant. In 2012, Transparency International lowered its
ranking of the country to 165 out of 174, making it one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Government officials are permitted to demand bribes in return for permission to expand operations
or enter new lines of business. Many students will recognize the challenges of operating in an
environment like the current situation in Venezuela. Some students will probably suggest that
firms may reassess their investments given the new political and economic risks present in the
country. Many students will probably conclude that a market that is considered to be only partly
free, with rampant corruption and nationalization taking place, is no longer a worthwhile
destination.
QUESTION 4: Venezuela relies on oil as a main source of economic income. How did the
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Global Business Today Tenth Edition
Chapter 2
collapse in the price of oil impact the countryโs economy?
ANSWER 4: When Nicolas Maduro took office after Chavezโs death, the same policies were
continued. Then, the country fell into a recession in 2014. From that, the drop in oil prices in 2015
shrunk the Venezuelan economy by 10 percent. Shortages became commonplace and
unemployment rose. Inflation reached 275 percent, poverty was at 30 percent, and the bolivar
(Venezuelaโs currency) reduced in value considerably. In all, it appeared that the economy was
going to collapse.
QUESTION 5: In your estimation, what is the long run prognosis for the Venezuelan economy? Is
this a country that is attractive to international businesses?
ANSWER 5: A recent World Bank study puts Venezuela as being one of the most regulated
economies in the world. The move to take various enterprises under state control is also impeding
economic growth. In the oil industry, for example, Chavez reduced the stakes owned by foreign
companies to give the state run company a bigger position. Most students will probably conclude
that given the levels of corruption and regulation, the country may be too risky to consider as a
destination for international companies. However, with the changes occurring at the parliamentary
level after elections in 2015, it remains to be seen whether long-term changes will be instituted to
encourage foreign investment.
Teaching Tip: Information on doing business in Ghana is available at
{http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/venezuela/}
and{https://caracas.usembassy.gov/doing-business-local.html}.
Continuous Case Concept
Recent sanctions by the United States and Europe against Russia are posing problems for global
automakers. The sanctions, imposed in response to Vladimir Putinโs policy decisions are creating
challenges not only for Russian citizens, but also for U.S. and European companies. Franceโs
Renault is likely to be hit hardest. It is the most dependent on the Russian market followed by
South Koreaโs Kia and Hyundai, and Japanโs Nissan, and German automakers VW and Mercedes.
If these sanctions persist, the companies could experience considerable production issues.
Already, General Motors is offering buyouts to its workers in Russia as sales slump in the country.
โข
Ask students to consider the impact of the sanctions relative to the overall attractiveness of
the Russian market. What are the political and economic costs of doing business in
countries like Russia where political problems threaten economic growth?
โข
Then, ask students to consider what strategic alternatives are open to companies like
Renault that depend on the Russian market.
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Global Business Today Tenth Edition
โข
Chapter 2
Finally, ask students to consider the tradeoffs of operating in an emerging market like
Russia where political uncertainty is high as compared to a more established market.
This exercise could be used at the beginning of the discussion of this chapterโs material, and/or
again at the end. To take the discussion into greater depth, ask students read the pertinent
selections in the additional readings section below. The exercise also works well at the beginning
of the implications for managers section.
globalEDGE Exercises
The resources for each exercise can be easily located by using the search box at the top of the
globalEDGE website at http://globalEDGE.msu.edu
Exercise 1
Search phrase: Freedom in the World or Freedom House
Resource Name: Freedom House Surveys
Website: http://www.freedomhouse.org/reports
globalEDGE Category: Global, Publications
Additional Info:
Published annually since 1972, the survey ratings and narrative reports on 193 countries provide
insight into an assessment of global political rights and civil liberties in each country. Political
rights ratings are based on an evaluation of three subcategories: electoral process, political
pluralism and participation, and functioning of government. Civil liberties ratings are based on an
evaluation of four subcategories: freedom of expression and belief, associational and
organizational rights, rule of law, and personal autonomy and individual rights.
Exercise 2
Search phrase: World Bank Doing Business Indicators
Resource Name: World Bank: Doing Business Indicators
Website: http://www.doingbusiness.org/
globalEDGE Category: Global, Statistical Data Sources
Additional Info:
The World Bankโs Doing Business Project provides objective measures of business regulations and
their enforcement in over 180 economies and selected cities at the subnational and regional level.
To construct the indicators, two types of data are utilized: First, the relevant laws and regulations
in each country are reviewed in detail. Second, official fee schedules and expert respondentsโ
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20
Global Business Today Tenth Edition
Chapter 2
estimated of time each procedure takes is taken into account.
Additional Readings and Sources of Information
Vietnamโs Economy Is an Emerging Market Standout
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-18/vietnam-growth-makes-it-emerging-marketstandout-in-shaky-world
Vladimir Putin: Russiaโs Action Man President
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-15047823
Vladimir Putin: The Rebuilding of โSovietโ Russia
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26769481
Why U.S.-Russia Trade Is Stuck in the Cold War
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-07-12/why-u-dot-s-dot-russia-trade-is-stuck-in-thecold-war
Engulfed by Corruption Probe, Brazilโs House Speaker Resigns
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-07/engulfed-by-corruption-probe-brazil-shouse-speaker-steps-down
Brazil Building Execs Accused in Carwash Corruption Scandal
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-07-24/prosecutors-accuse-top-brazil-buildingexecutives-of-corruption
Why Wal-Mart Hasnโt Conquered Brazil
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-05-08/why-wal-mart-hasnt-conquered-brazil#p1
Wal-Mart Probe in Final Lap With Scant China Findings
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-18/wal-mart-probe-said-to-be-in-final-lap-withscant-china-findings
Grounds Zero: A Starbucks-Free Italy
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-02-09/grounds-zero-a-starbucks-free-italy
To Stop the Coffee Apocalypse, Starbucks Buys a Farm
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-02-13/to-stop-the-coffee-apocalypse-starbucksbuys-a-farm
Can Starbucks Sell Espresso Back to Italians?
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Chapter 2
market-it-created
Costa Takes on Starbucks in Battle for China
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/b/839ce164-4105-4dfe-832f-a9d2bd9b9fcb
Starbucks Facing Tough Test as It Tries to Sell Tea to China
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-23/starbucks-facing-tough-test-as-it-tries-tosell-tea-to-china
KFC Thinks It Can Out-Coffee Starbucks in China
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-04/kfc-thinks-it-can-out-coffee-starbucks-inchina
Venezuela Oil Exports Seen Falling as Economic Woes Worsen
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-16/venezuela-oil-exports-seen-falling-aseconomic-woes-worsen
Venezuelan Pride Keeps Cheap Oil Flowing as Economy Collapses
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-03/venezuelan-pride-keeps-cheap-oil-flowingas-economy-collapses
Venezuela Raises Wages 50% as Oil Tour Seeks to Lift Prices
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-13/venezuela-raises-wages-50-as-oil-tourseeks-to-lift-prices
Venezuelaโs Oil Output Decline Accelerates as Drillers Go Unpaid
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-27/venezuela-s-oil-output-decline-acceleratesas-drillers-go-unpaid
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22
Chapter 2 โ NATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN POLITICAL, LEGAL, AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
The resources for each exercise can be easily located by using the search box at the top of the
globalEDGE website at http://globalEDGE.msu.edu
Exercise 1
Search phrase: Freedom in the World or Freedom House
Resource Name: Freedom House Surveys
Website: http://www.freedomhouse.org/reports
globalEDGE Category: Publications
Additional Info:
Published annually since 1972, the survey ratings and narrative reports on 195 countries provide insight
into an assessment of global political rights and civil liberties in each country. Political rights ratings are
based on an evaluation of three subcategories: electoral process, political pluralism and participation,
and functioning of government. Civil liberties ratings are based on an evaluation of four subcategories:
freedom of expression and belief, associational and organizational rights, rule of law, and personal
autonomy and individual rights.
Exercise 2
Search phrase: World Bank Doing Business Indicators
Resource Name: World Bank: Doing Business Indicators
Website: http://www.doingbusiness.org/
globalEDGE Category: Statistical Data Sources
Additional Info:
The World Bankโs Doing Business Project provides objective measures of business regulations and their
enforcement across 189 economies and selected cities at the subnational and regional level. To
construct the indicators, two types of data are utilized: First, the relevant laws and regulations in each
country are reviewed in detail. Second, official fee schedules and expert respondentsโ estimated of time
each procedure takes is taken into account.
ยฉ 2016 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
Global Business Today
10e
by Charles W.L. Hill
and G. Tomas M. Hult
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. Authorized only for instructor use in the classroom. No reproduction or further distribution permitted without the prior written consent of McGraw-Hill Education.
Source: ยฉ Hoang Dinh Nam/Getty Images
National Differences
Chapter 2: National Differences in Political,
Economic, and Legal Systems
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Learning Objectives
LO 2-1 Understand how the political systems of countries differ.
LO 2-2 Understand how the economic systems of countries
differ.
LO 2-3 Understand how the legal systems of countries differ.
LO 2-4 Explain the implications for management practice of
national differences in political economy.
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Opening Case:
Economic Transformation in Vietnam
๏ง Moving from centrally planned socialist economy to a more
market oriented system
๏ง In 1986, Vietnam one of poorest countries in the world
๏ง Agricultural land privatized; state farm collectives dismantled
๏ง Farm productivity surged, price controls removed, barriers to
FDI lowered
๏ง Today, living standards have surged
๏ง State-owned enterprises now only 40% of total output
๏ง Country too-dependent on commodity exports
๏ง Communist party still in power
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Introduction
International business more complicated than domestic
๏ผ Countries vary in economic development
๏ผ Cultural, education, and skill levels vary
๏ผ The political, economic, and legal systems are known as
the political economy
๏ผ Societal culture affects the political economy and the
political economy shapes societal culture
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Political Systems 1 of 9
๏ง Political system: the system of government in a
nation
๏ง Political systems can be assessed in terms of the
degree to which they:
๏ผ Emphasize collectivism as opposed to individualism
๏ผ Are democratic or totalitarian
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Political Systems 2 of 9
๏ง Collectivism and Individualism
๏ผ Collectivism: a system that stresses the primacy of
collective goals over individual goals
๏ง Can be traced to the Greek philosopher Plato
๏ง Today, socialists support collectivism
๏ผ When collectivism is emphasized, the needs of the society
as whole are generally viewed as being more important
than individual freedoms
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
What About Peopleโs Future Rights?
Individualism versus collectivism is a century-old debate topic
and an inherently interesting issue. For example, does an
individualโs life belong to him or her or to the community,
society, or country in which he or she resides? Most people
have a direct and immediate answer, but there is no consensus
on which answer depending on which country you reside in or
which personal โcompassโ you subscribe to. Everyone has
tendencies toward being both individualistic and collectivistic
but prefers one way more than the other. So, which of these
ideasโ individualism or collectivismโdo you think is correct,
and which cultural belief do you prefer and why?
Source: Objective Standard, March 3, 2014. www.theobjectivestandard.com
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Political Systems 3 of 9
Collectivism and Individualism continued
๏ผ Socialism
๏ง Modern socialists trace their roots to Karl Marx
๏ง Advocated state ownership of the basic means of production,
distribution, and exchange
๏ง The state then manages the enterprises for the benefit of society
as a whole
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Political Systems 4 of 9
Collectivism and Individualism continued
๏ผ In the early 20th century, socialism split into communists
and social democrats:
๏ง Communists – socialism could only be achieved though revolution
and totalitarian dictatorship
๏ง Social democrats worked to achieve the same goals by democratic
means
๏ผ Many state-owned enterprises failed to succeed, and many
nations implemented privatization programs
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Political Systems 5 of 9
Collectivism and Individualism continued
๏ผ Individualism: suggests individuals should have freedom
over their economic and political pursuits
๏ง Can be traced to Aristotle who argued that individual diversity and
private ownership are desirable
๏ผ Individualism stresses:
๏ง Individual freedom and self-expression
๏ง Letting people pursue their own self-interests to achieve the best
overall good for society
๏ง Democratic systems and free markets
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Political Systems 6 of 9
Democracy and Totalitarianism
๏ผ Democracy: political system in which government is by the
people, exercised either directly or through elected
representatives
๏ง Most common form today is representative democracy- elected
representatives vote on behalf of constituents
๏ผ 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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Political Systems 7 of 9
Democracy and Totalitarianism continued
๏ผ In most totalitarian regimes:
๏ง There is widespread political repression
๏ง There are no free and fair elections
๏ง Media is censored
๏ง Basic civil liberties are denied
๏ง Challenges to the regime are prohibited
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Political Systems 8 of 9
Democracy and Totalitarianism continued
Four major forms of totalitarianism today:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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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
Political Systems 9 of 9
Pseudo-Democracies
๏ผ Many nations lie between pure democracy and complete
totalitarianism
๏ง Authoritarian elements capture much of the machinery of state
and use this in an attempt to deny basic political and civil liberties
๏ง Russia under Vladimir Putin
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Economic Systems 1 of 4
๏ง Political ideology and economic systems are
connected
๏ง There are three types of economic systems: the
market economy, the command economy, and the
mixed economy
๏ผ A market-based economic system is likely in countries
where individual goals are given primacy over collective
goals
๏ผ State-owned enterprises and restricted markets are
common in countries where collective goals are dominant
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Economic Systems 2 of 4
Market Economy
๏ผ 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
๏ง Supply must not be restricted by monopolies
๏ง The role of government is to encourage free and fair competition
between private producers
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Economic Systems 3 of 4
Command Economy
๏ผ 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
๏ง All businesses are state-owned, and have little incentive to control
costs and be efficient
๏ง Because there is no private ownership, there is little incentive to
better serve consumer needs
๏ง Dynamism and innovation are absent
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North Koreaโs Command Economy
Kim Jong-un, the leader of
the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea,
inspecting a factory. North
Korea functions as a
centralized, single party,
and tightly controlled
dictatorial command
economy.
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Source: ยฉ AFP/Getty Images
Economic Systems 4 of 4
๏ง Mixed Economy
๏ผ A mixed economy includes some elements of a market
economy and some elements of a command economy
๏ง Governments take over troubled firms considered vital to national
interests
๏ผ The number of mixed economies in the world today is
falling
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Legal Systems 1 of 11
๏ง 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
๏ง A countryโs legal system is important because laws:
๏ผ Regulate business practice
๏ผ Define the manner in which business transactions are to be
executed
๏ผ Set down the rights and obligations of those involved in
business transactions
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Legal Systems 2 of 11
Different Legal Systems
๏ผ Common law: based on tradition, precedent, and custom
๏ง
Found in most of Great Britainโs former colonies, including the
United States
๏ผ Civil law: based on detailed set of laws organized into
codes
๏ง
Found in more than 80 countries, including Germany, France,
Japan, and Russia
๏ผ Theocratic law: based on religious teachings
๏ง
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Islamic law is the most widely practiced
Legal Systems 3 of 11
Differences in Contract Law
๏ผ They approach contract law (the body of law that governs
contract enforcement) differently
๏ง A contract specifies the conditions under which an exchange is to
occur and details the rights and obligations of the parties involved
๏ผ In a common law state, contracts are very detailed with all
contingencies spelled out
๏ผ In a civil law state, contracts are shorter and much less
specific
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Legal Systems 4 of 11
Differences in Contract Law continued
๏ผ The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the
International Sales of Goods (CISG) 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
๏ง Countries that adopt CISG signal to other nations that they will
treat the Conventionโs rules as part of their law
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Legal Systems 5 of 11
Property Rights and Corruption
๏ผ 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
๏ผ Private action: theft, piracy, blackmail, and the like by
private individuals or groups
๏ผ 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
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Legal Systems 6 of 11
Property Rights and Corruption continued
๏ผ Corruption is present in all countries to some degree,
however when a country has a high level of corruption:
๏ง Foreign direct investment falls
๏ง International trade falls
๏ง Economic growth falls
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Source: Constructed by the author from raw data from Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2015.
Figure 2.1
Rankings of
Corruption
by Country
Legal Systems 7 of 11
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act limits corruption in
the U.S
๏ผ It is illegal to bribe a foreign government official in order to
obtain or maintain business over which the foreign official
has authority
๏ผ All publicly traded companies must keep detailed records
so that it is clear whether a violation of the act has
occurred
๏ผ Facilitating or expediting payments to secure the
performance of routine government actions are permitted
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Did You Know?
Did you know that it’s
illegal for Americans to
bribe public officials to
gain business in a
foreign country, even if
bribery is commonplace
in that nation?
Click to play video
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Legal Systems 8 of 11
The Protection of Intellectual Property
๏ผ Intellectual property: property that is the product of
intellectual activity
๏ง Patents: give the inventor exclusive rights to the manufacture, use,
or sale of that invention
๏ง Copyrights: exclusive legal rights of authors, composers,
playwrights, artists, and publishers to publish and dispose of their
work as they see fit
๏ง Trademarks: designs and names, often officially registered, by
which merchants or manufacturers designate and differentiate
their products
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Legal Systems 9 of 11
The Protection of Intellectual Property continued
๏ผ The protection of intellectual property rights differs greatly
from country to country
๏ผ 185 nations are members of the World Intellectual
Property Organization
๏ง 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
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
How Important are Intellectual Property Rights?
Burundi is a landlocked country in the Great Lake region of Eastern Africa.
Neighboring countries include Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo. Burundi is hilly and mountainous, with access to Lake
Tanganyika. The government system is a republic, with the chief of state and
head of government being the president. Burundi has a traditional economic
system in which the allocation of available resources is made on the basis of
primitive methods, and many citizens engage in subsistence agriculture. At
the same time, Burundi was last of the 131 countries ranked in the 2013
International Property Rights Index (IPRI). The IPRI is conducted by a
partnership of 74 international organizations. The IPRI takes into account legal
and political environment, physical property rights, and intellectual property
rights. How much should companies focus on intellectual property rights in
deciding where to (1) produce their products and (2) sell their products?
Does it differ if you produce or sell in the country?
Source: www.internationalpropertyrightsindex.org.
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Legal Systems 10 of 11
The Protection of Intellectual Property continued
Response to violations of intellectual property
๏ง 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
๏ง Filing lawsuits
๏ง Avoiding countries with poor intellectual property laws
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Legal Systems 11 of 11
Product Safety and Product Liability
๏ผ Product safety laws set certain safety standards to which a
product must adhere
๏ผ Product liability involves holding a firm and its officers
responsible when a product causes injury, death, or
damage
๏ง Liability laws are usually least extensive in less developed
countries
๏ผ Firms must decide whether to adhere to the standards of
the home country or the standards of the host country
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Focus on Managerial Implications
THE MACRO ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCES MARKET
ATTRACTIVENESS
โข The political, economic, and legal systems of a country
raise important ethical issues that have implications for the
practice of international business
โข The political, economic, and legal environments of a
country clearly influence the attractiveness of that country
as a market and/or investment site
โข A democratic country with a market-based economy,
protection of property rights, and limited corruption is a
more attractive place to do business.
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Global Business Today 10th Edition Hill Solutions Manual
Full Download: http://testbanklive.com/download/global-business-today-10th-edition-hill-solutions-manual/
Summary
In this chapter we have
๏ผExplored how the political systems of countries
differ.
๏ผExplored how the economic systems of countries
differ.
๏ผExplored how the legal systems of countries differ.
๏ผExplained the implications for management
practice of national differences in political
economy.
ยฉMcGraw-Hill Education.
Full download all chapters instantly please go to Solutions Manual, Test Bank site: testbanklive.com
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