International Marketing Chapter 6 The Political Environment

Stability of Government Policies Q: Radical shifts in government philosophy can occur when: An opposing political party ascends to power Pressure from nationalist and self-interest groups Weakened economic conditions. Bias against foreign investment or conflicts between governments

Instability of Governments and Policies: Political Reasons Some forms of government seem to be inherently unstable Changes in political parties during elections can have major effects on trade conditions Nationalism Animosity targeted toward specific countries Trade disputes

Stability of Government Policies The stability or instability of prevailing government policies is a major concern of foreign businesses A change in government, whether by election or coup, does not always mean a change in the level of political risk Conversely, radical changes in policies toward foreign business can occur in the most stable governments as well 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

Forms of Government Democracy or market directed government ideology Communist governments Theocratic Republic Islamic Law countries where political parties can exist but have little power The religious leader controls government and all governmental decisions

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Nationalism Nationalism refers to feelings of national pride and unity Feelings of nationalism are manifested by: Call to “buy our country’s products only,” e.g., “Buy American” Restrictions on imports, restrictive tariffs, and other barriers to trade

Targeted Fear and/or Animosity Nationalism Targets all foreign countries Animosity Targets specific nations 6-8

Trade Disputes: Examples Undervalued Chinese currency (ongoing problem) Ban on beef imports into Japan Chinese subsidies in apparent violation of WTO rules Farm subsidies in developed countries AIRBUS–Boeing battle over subsidies

Political Risks of Global Business Risks of global business include: Confiscation, Expropriation, and Domestication Economic Risks, and Price Controls

Confiscation, Expropriation, and Domestication Confiscation, the most severe political risk, is the seizing of a company’s 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 company’s management

Economic Risks International firms face a variety of economic risks Governments can impose restraints on business activity to: Protect national security Protect an infant industry To conserve scarce foreign exchange Raise revenue Retaliate against unfair trade practices

Economic Risks Exchange Controls Local Content Laws Import Restrictions Tax Controls Price Controls Labor Problems

Forecasting Political Risk Decide if risk insurance is necessary Devise an intelligence network and an early warning system 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 company’s intelligence network in order to advise and forewarn corporate decision makers about political and economic situations

Assessing Political Vulnerability No absolute guidelines to assess if a firm faces political risks No specific guidelines to determine a product’s political vulnerability, but there are some generalizations 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

Reducing Political Vulnerability Relations between governments and MNCs are generally positive if the investment: improves the balance of payments by increasing exports or reducing imports through import substitution uses locally produced resources transfers capital, technology, and/or skills creates jobs, and/or makes tax contributions

Reducing Political Vulnerability MNC’s can use the following strategies to minimize ­political vulnerability and risk: Joint Ventures Expanding the Investment Base Licensing Planned Domestication Political Payoffs