Chapter 6 by Professor Riaz Khan: The Political Environment: A Critical Concern
Chapter 6 by Professor Riaz Khan: The Political Environment: A Critical Concern
Chapter 6 by Professor Riaz Khan: The Political Environment: A Critical Concern
2. The political risks of global business and the factors that affect stability
3. The importance of the political system to international marketing and its effect on foreign investments
Introduction
The political environment of countries is a critical concern for the international marketer International law recognizes the sovereign right of a nation to allow or deny foreign firms to conduct
Sovereignty refers to both the powers exercised by a state in relation to other countries and the supreme powers exercised over its own members
A sovereign state is independent and free from all external control; enjoys full legal equality with other states; and governs its own territory
1. An opposing political party ascends to power 2. Pressure from nationalist and self-interest groups
3. Weakened economic conditions. 4. Bias against foreign investment or conflicts between governments
The ideal political climate for a multinational firm to conduct business is a stable, friendly government Be knowledgeable about the philosophies of all major political parties and their attitudes towards trade
Nationalism
Nationalism refers to feelings of national pride and unity
Feelings of nationalism are manifested by: 1. Call to buy our countrys products only, e.g., Buy American 2. Restrictions on imports, restrictive tariffs, and other barriers to trade
Confiscation, the most severe political risk, is the seizing of a companys assets without payment
Expropriation is where the government seizes an investment, but some reimbursement for the assets is made; often the expropriated investment is nationalized to become a government run entity
Domestication occurs when the government mandates local ownership and greater national involvement in a foreign companys management
Economic Risks
International firms face a variety of economic risks
Governments can impose restraints on business activity to: a) Protect national security b) Protect an infant industry c) To conserve scarce foreign exchange d) Raise revenue e) Retaliate against unfair trade practices
Develop contingency plans for unfavorable future political events Build a database of past political events for use in predicting future problems Interpret the data gathered by a companys intelligence network in order to advise and forewarn corporate decision makers about political and economic situations
Other Political Risks of Global Business 1. Political Sanctions 2. Political and Social Activists
4. Cyberterrorism
1. 2. 3. 4.
Politically sensitive products include those that: effect on the environment, exchange rates national and economic security affect public health, e.g., genetically modified (GM) foods
Joint Ventures
Expanding the Investment Base Licensing