Your international business expansion plan should include the concepts and ideas that were
Over the past several weeks, you have been learning about the various issues surrounding the challenges and numerous situations that exist legally that differ from those of the United States. You have been placed in charge of the Business Development and Expansion committee for your company. You are charged with the task of researching and identifying a country to expand your company’s operations. Take the feedback from the Phase 4 DB into consideration, and make any additions or deletions as you deem necessary.
Your international business expansion plan should include the concepts and ideas that were covered over the past several weeks. You are to select a country that does not recognize all of the established legal guidelines reviewed previously, but the potential profit that could be realized warrants the risk. The following points need to be addressed in your international business expansion plan:
- The issue of common and civil law systems internationally
- Intellectual property, copyright infringements, and legal ramifications
- Violation of human rights of employees and child labor law violations
- Public perception of companies doing business with companies that engage in that kind of activity
- What has been the impact of the European Union of the business environment?
- Anything else that you deem important to support your international business expansion plan
Expert Answer and Explanation
Organizations and Globalization
Common and International Civil Laws
Globalization is one of the common aspects that companies aspire to attain after growing or when planning for international business. The identified and selected country that is essential for business expansion in China. China as a country has various laws and regulations but does not fully recognize all of the established legal guidelines (Sinagra, & Valvo, 2019).
These create discrepancies in terms of employment rights and regulations. The availability of cheap labor and a high employee force has resulted in reduced adherence to employment rules and regulations. However, the country also has among the largest population in the world and better infrastructure to facilitate the production of goods and services (Brander, Cui, & Vertinsky, 2017). The availability of a ready market, use of technology to market and make sales is also a key benefit from the country which has the potential to improve profit realization.
Legal Law Violation
China as a country pays little to no consideration to violations of entities such as copyrights, intellectual property, and other forms of infringement. The country is arguably the number one producer of counterfeit products in the world. For instance, the high level of counterfeit products in China led to Windows operating system to provide usable systems without the need of keys as they could not be able to prevent the counterfeit or creation of image versions of the product (Gruffydd-Jones, 2019). However, there are laws on the issue and are being enforced on specific products.
Violation of Human Rights and Public Perception
China has a huge population with cheap labor for the market. While there is no violation of human rights, there are other cases regarding poor payment, unconducive working environments, minimal to know employee motivation, and challenges with employer provided insurance (Lewis, 2016). The availability of cheap labor will be beneficial to the expansion of the company as the additional proceeds can be used to provide insurance to the employees and attract qualified candidates while at the same time preventing turnover.
Through international business expansion, the company can ensure that future employees are accorded better working environments, competitive compensation, and are insured against work-related injuries. These elements can improve employee motivation and increase the attainment of the goals and mission of the company.
The implementation of improved working environments and better compensation can improve the perception of the public concerning the nature of the company. Being a foreign land, proper engagement with the locals, and offering better conditions can improve the correlations, sales, and marketing of the products (Chong, 2020). In a country where there are numerous counterfeit goods, focusing on quality products and ensuring they meet the needs standards is a positive development for both the company and towards the perception of the public.
Impact of the European Union on Business Environment
The EU has been at the forefront in ensuring that countries trade with each other in an orderly manner without discrimination and infringement on items of goods. The creation of a standard form of business and understanding between the member countries is a key focus on the EU in ensuring better collaboration and shared resources (Tomaš, & Radovic-Markovic, 2018).
The EU also oversees the issues of conflict resolution to ensure that there is limited to no issues between the member states and the business operations are conducted expectedly. A company that seeks to attain globalization can become part of the EU and the host will accommodate the company in line with the regulations articulated by the treaty.
References
Brander, J. A., Cui, V., & Vertinsky, I. (2017). China and intellectual property rights: A challenge to the rule of law. Journal of International Business Studies, 48(7), 908-921.
Chong, A. (2020, December). Bridging the common law-civil law divide? The 1985 Trusts Convention. In The Elgar Companion to the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Gruffydd-Jones, J. J. (2019). Citizens and condemnation: Strategic uses of international human rights pressure in authoritarian states. Comparative Political Studies, 52(4), 579-612.
Lewis, M. K. (2016). Human rights and the US-China relationship. Geo. Wash. Int’l L. Rev., 49, 471.
Sinagra, A., & Valvo, A. L. (2019). Internal Law and International Law: From Common Law To Civil Law. author proofs, 17.
Tomaš, R., & Radovic-Markovic, M. (2018). Development of Small Countries in the Business Environment of the European Union. Transylvanian Review of Administrative Sciences, 14(53), 84-106.
FAQs
Five factors that should be considered before making the decision to expand internationally
Expanding a business internationally can bring new opportunities and growth potential, but it’s also a significant investment and involves risks. Here are five factors that should be carefully considered before making the decision to expand internationally:
- Market Analysis: The first step in expanding internationally is to identify potential markets and assess their size, growth potential, and competition. It’s crucial to understand the target market’s culture, legal and regulatory requirements, consumer behavior, and purchasing power. Conducting a thorough market analysis can help a business determine if there is a viable market for their products or services.
- Financial Resources: Expanding internationally requires significant financial resources, including funds for market research, legal and regulatory compliance, advertising, and marketing expenses, among others. A company should assess whether it has sufficient financial resources to support the expansion plans and whether it is financially feasible in the long run.
- Operational Capabilities: Expanding into international markets often means dealing with different currencies, languages, and cultural differences. A business should consider its operational capabilities, including its ability to manage supply chains, shipping logistics, and communication with foreign partners and customers. It may require additional staff training or outsourcing to ensure smooth operations in new markets.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Entering international markets means dealing with various legal and regulatory frameworks. A company should assess the regulatory requirements for exporting goods or services to other countries, including taxation, customs, import/export regulations, labor laws, and intellectual property protection.
- Risk Assessment: Expanding internationally involves various risks, such as currency fluctuations, political instability, cultural differences, and different legal systems. A company should perform a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential risks and develop a contingency plan in case of unforeseen events.
In summary, before expanding internationally, a business should consider market analysis, financial resources, operational capabilities, legal and regulatory compliance, and risk assessment to ensure a successful expansion strategy.
How to implement a new strategy without disrupting your organization
Implementing a new strategy can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping the organization functioning without disruption. Here are some steps that can be taken to implement a new strategy without disrupting the organization:
- Clearly communicate the strategy: Before implementing a new strategy, it is essential to communicate the strategy clearly to everyone in the organization. This includes the purpose of the strategy, the expected outcomes, and the actions required to implement it. Providing clear communication can help reduce confusion and resistance to the changes.
- Create a plan: A plan should be developed to ensure that the implementation of the new strategy is done in a structured way. This plan should include timelines, budgets, and key milestones that need to be achieved along the way.
- Involve employees: Employees should be involved in the implementation process to ensure that they understand the strategy and their role in implementing it. Involving employees can also help build their commitment to the strategy and reduce resistance to change.
- Identify and manage risks: Risks associated with implementing the new strategy should be identified, and a plan should be developed to mitigate them. This plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that the risks are being adequately managed.
- Provide training: Employees may need training to acquire the skills required to implement the new strategy effectively. Providing training can help ensure that employees understand what is expected of them and feel confident in their ability to implement the changes.
- Monitor progress: Progress should be monitored regularly to ensure that the implementation of the new strategy is on track. Key performance indicators (KPIs) should be developed to measure progress and ensure that the strategy is achieving its intended outcomes.
In conclusion, implementing a new strategy requires careful planning, clear communication, employee involvement, risk management, training, and progress monitoring. By following these steps, a new strategy can be implemented without disrupting the organization.
What are the 4 factors affecting international marketing
There are several factors that affect international marketing, but here are four major factors:
- Cultural Differences: Culture plays a significant role in determining consumer behavior and preferences. A company must understand the cultural differences of the target market, including their values, beliefs, and attitudes. For instance, a product that is popular in one culture may not be accepted in another, or the messaging and advertising strategies that work in one culture may not be effective in another.
- Economic Factors: The economic situation of a country affects the demand for goods and services, and the purchasing power of consumers. Factors such as exchange rates, inflation rates, and GDP growth rates can impact a company’s pricing strategies, market entry decisions, and overall sales performance.
- Political and Legal Factors: The political and legal environment of a country affects the regulations and laws that companies must comply with, such as import/export laws, taxes, and intellectual property rights. Companies must understand the political and legal landscape of the target market and adapt their strategies accordingly to avoid legal issues or fines.
- Technological Factors: Technological advancements can significantly impact international marketing, particularly in the areas of communication, logistics, and distribution. Companies must understand the technology trends in the target market and use them to their advantage to streamline operations and better serve customers.
In conclusion, understanding cultural differences, economic factors, political and legal factors, and technological factors are crucial for companies looking to succeed in international marketing.
Types of international expansion strategies
Choosing the right international expansion strategy is crucial for businesses aiming to enter new markets and achieve sustainable growth. Here’s an overview of the main types to consider:
1. Exporting:
- Definition: Selling domestically produced goods or services to foreign markets.
- Example: A clothing manufacturer in China exporting garments to the United States.
- Pros: Relatively low initial investment, minimal operational changes required.
- Cons: Limited control over distribution and marketing, vulnerable to currency fluctuations and trade barriers.
2. Franchising:
- Definition: Licensing your brand and business model to a franchisee in a foreign market.
- Example: McDonald’s franchising its restaurants in India.
- Pros: Rapid market penetration, leverage local expertise, shared costs and risks.
- Cons: Loss of some control over brand image and quality, potential for franchisee conflict.
3. Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances:
- Definition: Partnering with a local company to share resources, expertise, and market access.
- Example: A pharmaceutical company partnering with a local distributor in Brazil.
- Pros: Combine strengths and knowledge, reduce risks and costs, gain access to local networks.
- Cons: Potential for conflicting goals and decision-making, complex legal and financial arrangements.
4. Subsidiaries:
- Definition: Establishing a wholly-owned or majority-owned operation in a foreign market.
- Example: A technology company opening a sales office in Japan.
- Pros: Full control over operations and brand, greater flexibility and market knowledge.
- Cons: High initial investment, complex management and legal requirements, exposure to political and economic risks.
5. Mergers and Acquisitions:
- Definition: Acquiring or merging with an existing company in a foreign market.
- Example: A social media company acquiring a competitor in Europe.
- Pros: Rapid market entry, gain established customer base and infrastructure, potential for economies of scale.
- Cons: High costs and integration challenges, risk of cultural clashes and employee resistance.
The best strategy for your business will depend on various factors, such as your industry, financial resources, risk tolerance, and target markets. Carefully assess your options and seek professional advice to make an informed decision.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing an international expansion strategy:
- Market attractiveness: Evaluate the potential size, growth, and profitability of the target market.
- Entry barriers: Analyze the legal, regulatory, and cultural obstacles to entering the market.
- Resource availability: Assess your financial, human, and technological resources for expansion.
- Competition: Identify and evaluate your existing and potential competitors in the new market.
- Exit strategy: Have a plan for how you might exit the market if necessary.
What is the purpose of global expansion?