p. 554
PPT 19-17
p. 554
PPT 19-18
DECIDING WHETHER TO GO GLOBAL
Not all companies need to venture into international
markets to survive.
Any of several factors might draw a company into the
international arena.
Global competitors might attack the company’s
home market by offering better products or lower
prices.
The company might want to counterattack these
competitors in their home markets to tie up their
resources.
The company’s customers might be expanding
abroad and require international servicing.
International markets might simply provide better
opportunities for growth.
Before going abroad, the company must weigh several risks
and answer many questions about its ability to operate
globally.
Can the company understand the consumers?
Can it offer competitively attractive products?
Will it be able to adapt to other countries’ business
cultures?
Can they deal effectively with foreign nationals?
Do the company’s managers have the necessary
international experience?
Has management considered the regulations and
political environments of other countries?
Troubleshooting Tip
On deciding whether to go international, many
students will believe that it is simply a matter of the
company deciding to expand. The concept of being
forced to go into other countries because of
customers pulling you along, or having to fight a
global competitor on your home turf, will surprise
some of them. Challenge them to think about how
small companies grow, and why they might start
selling their goods overseas. Use a local company
that sells unique items. How could foreign
customers find them? How would they decide that
there is a market in another country? You can break