international business unit 1
international business unit 1
UNIT – I
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MEANING
International business refers to the commercial activities, transactions, and operations conducted between companies,
individuals, or organizations across national borders. It involves the exchange of goods, services, technology, and capital
in markets outside a company's home country. International business encompasses a wide range of activities, such as:
FATHER OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS:
John H Dunning OBE was a British economist and is widely recognised as the father of the field of international
business. The Dunning Centre was renamed in 2008, in his honour, and stands as one of the world's premier research
centres in the field.
NATURE OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
The nature of international business reflects the unique characteristics and complexities that arise when business
activities are conducted across national borders. These activities involve a variety of processes and interactions
influenced by different cultural, economic, legal, and political environments. Here are the key aspects that define the
nature of international business:
1. Cross-border Transactions
International business involves transactions between businesses, governments, and other organizations in different
countries. These transactions include the exchange of goods, services, capital, and technology across national borders.
2. Cultural Diversity
The business environment in international business is shaped by cultural differences. Companies need to understand
various customs, languages, and consumer behaviors in different markets. These cultural differences can affect
marketing strategies, negotiation styles, and leadership approaches.
3. Globalization
International business is driven by globalization, which is the increasing interconnectedness of the world’s markets and
businesses. Globalization leads to the expansion of trade, investment, and information flow across countries. This
creates new opportunities but also intensifies competition.
Operating internationally introduces complexities and risks that are not present in domestic business. These include
exchange rate fluctuations, political instability, cultural misunderstandings, legal challenges, and the differences in
economic conditions across countries.
Companies engaging in international business must choose strategies for entering foreign markets. These strategies may
include exporting, licensing, franchising, joint ventures, and foreign direct investment (FDI), each with varying
levels of risk and control.
International businesses must comply with both international trade regulations and the legal frameworks of each country
they operate in. These laws can affect issues such as taxation, labor standards, intellectual property rights, and
environmental regulations.
International business relies heavily on trade (the exchange of goods and services) and foreign investment (capital
moving across borders). International organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), regulate and
promote trade between countries, while investments flow into different regions through multinational corporations
(MNCs).
8. Currency Exchange and Financial Management
Managing currency exchange rates is essential in international business because businesses need to convert currencies
for transactions, investments, and financing. This brings challenges such as currency risk and fluctuations, which must
be managed carefully to avoid financial loss.
Technological advancements have made international business more accessible and efficient. The internet, e-commerce,
and digital communication tools facilitate the smooth exchange of information and business transactions globally.
Businesses operating internationally face competition from both local firms and other international companies. They
must adapt their products, services, and strategies to meet the diverse demands and preferences of consumers in different
countries.
International businesses must also address ethical concerns, including labor practices, environmental sustainability,
corporate social responsibility, and human rights issues. Operating in multiple countries requires adherence to diverse
ethical standards and regulations.
SCOPE OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
The scope and importance of international business is a very broad and varied area. There are some key areas of scope
of international business which have been explained below:
• International trade - International business involves the trade of goods and services between two countries.
This also includes the exchange of intellectual property along with different purchase agreements.
• International negotiations - International business between two countries helps the related parties improve
better relations among them as well as resolve disputes between them through these negotiations.
• Global Marketing - A specific company can target its customers not only in the domestic market but also in the
markets of different countries while considering and altering their needs according to their culture.
• Foreign direct investment - Through international business, the companies of other countries are starting their
investment in different countries Foreign Direct Investment is important for starting a business and its expansion
as well.
• Growth opportunities - The countries that are related to international trade have their own benefit also in the
way of creating more job opportunities in their own country and also strengthening their own economy.
• Exchange of foreign currency - While the import and export of goods and services happen, the countries
exchange their currency for the consideration of the goods and services, improving a country's foreign exchange
reserve.
o More innovation and technology - Another importance of international business is that In today's globalization
era, everything is conducted through technological support which is also required for companies to improve and
speed up their activity.
o Political cooperation - Economic interdependence between two countries leads a better negotiation,
communication or resolving disputes between two countries which leads to cooperation in various policies like
trade policy, environmental policies etc.
o Cultural exchange - International business between two different countries promotes the exchange and also
understanding of people with different cultures who interact, learn from one another and respect each other's
culture.
o Employment opportunity - More employment opportunities are created through international business which
helps in improving the standard of living of people of one country along with the other countries involved.
o Proper utilization of resources - Resources are properly used when the rest of the extra goods are exported to
the other country while already meeting the needs of the consumers as per their needs.
STAGES OG INTERNATIONALIZATION OF BUSINESS
1. Domestic Stage:
A domestic stage is where a business operates solely within its home country, and its focus is on local market
opportunities and navigating national constraints. Its strategy and the game plan is mainly centered around meeting the
needs and desires of domestic customers and leveraging local and accessible resources.
For example, Reliance Industries Limited, which started out by dominating the local market before it expanded its
operations internationally.
2. International Stage
An international stage begins when a business expands its operations beyond its home country, serving international
customers by setting up its branches and subsidiaries in foreign markets. This stage marks the company’s initial steps
into international business, where the company intends to explore and look out for new market opportunities.For
example,Tata Motors Limited is a company that extended its operations by setting up international subsidiaries.
• McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Samsung are prominent examples of Multi-National Companies. McDonald’s
operates globally, adapting its menu to local tastes while maintaining its brand identity.
• Coca-Cola on the other hand, offers localized products and marketing strategies across various countries,
maintaining a consistent brand image across the globe.
• Samsung is a company that adapts its technological products and strategies to regional markets while utilizing
the global resources to the fullest.
4. Global Stage
Unlike the rest of the above stages of internationalization of business, the global stage adopts a comprehensive global
strategy, focusing on achieving efficiency and market penetration on a global scale. This ensures that its brand and
products have consistent quality no matter which corner of the world it’s sold in. The company integrates its operations
around the world, making the best use of resources like manufacturing, technology, and worldwide talent to strengthen
its global presence and reach more and more customers across different markets.
For example, Apple operates with a unified global strategy, where its products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac are
designed and marketed across the globe, keeping in mind the consistent quality.
5. Transnational Company
The most ultimate expression of global business is the Transnational Stage that blends worldwide efficiency with local
adaptability. Companies in this stage have mastered the art of operating with utmost precision across borders, balancing
a unified strategy with the flexibility to meet unique market demands.
For example, From Dove to Lipton to Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever’s diverse brands cater to the distinct preferences of
consumers worldwide, achieving a perfect synergy between global integration and local relevance
1. Exporting:
Exporting is the process of selling goods and services produced in one country to customers in another country. This is
one of the simplest and most common entry methods for companies seeking international expansion with low
investment
2. Licensing:
• Licensing involves granting a foreign company the right to use intellectual property (IP), such as trademarks,
patents, technology, or brand names, in exchange for royalty payments or a fee.
3. Franchising:
• Franchising is similar to licensing, but it involves a more comprehensive arrangement where a company (the
franchisor) grants a foreign partner (the franchisee) the right to operate a business using the franchisor's
established business model, brand, and intellectual property.
4. Joint Venture:
• A joint venture is a partnership between a company from the home country and one or more foreign companies.
The partners create a new, jointly owned business entity to operate in the foreign market. Both parties share
resources, risks, and rewards..
6. Strategic Alliances:
• A strategic alliance is a partnership between two or more companies from different countries that agree to work
together toward common business objectives. Unlike joint ventures, strategic alliances do not involve shared
ownership of a business entity but focus on collaboration for specific projects.
7. Turnkey Projects:
8. Piggybacking:
•Piggybacking is when a company uses the distribution channels, infrastructure, or resources of another company
(usually a larger, more established company) to enter foreign markets. It is often used by smaller businesses that
do not have the resources to establish their own presence in a foreign market.
LICENSING
Licensing is a method of entering foreign markets where a company (the licensor) grants permission to another
company (the licensee) in a foreign market to use its intellectual property (IP). This may include patents, trademarks,
copyrights, technology, or brand names in exchange for royalty payments or a fee. Licensing allows companies to
expand their market presence internationally with relatively low investment and risk.
Types of Licensing
1. Product Licensing:
o The licensee is allowed to produce and sell a product based on the licensor’s technology, brand, or
patent.
o Example: A company licenses its patented technology to a foreign manufacturer to produce and sell
products in that market.
2. Brand Licensing:
o The licensee uses the licensor’s brand name or trademark to sell products or services.
o Example: A company allows a foreign firm to sell products under its brand name, such as apparel, toys,
or food products.
3. Technology Licensing:
o The licensor grants the licensee the right to use its technology (e.g., software, manufacturing processes,
or proprietary designs).
o Example: A tech company licenses its software to be used by foreign businesses or governments.
4. Merchandising Licensing:
o This is when a licensor allows a licensee to produce and sell branded merchandise based on the
licensor's brand, characters, or designs.
o Example: Disney licenses its characters to manufacturers of toys, clothing, or other consumer goods.
Advantages of Licensing
o The licensor does not need to invest heavily in establishing operations in the foreign market, such as
building manufacturing facilities or establishing a sales force. The licensee bears most of the financial
risk.
o Licensing allows for rapid market entry since the licensee is already familiar with the local market,
regulations, and consumer preferences. The company can leverage existing networks.
o The licensor can earn royalty payments or fees with minimal ongoing involvement in the foreign
market, which is a relatively low-maintenance way to generate revenue.
o Licensing helps expand the brand’s global reach, as the licensee is able to use the licensor's brand or
technology in markets that might be difficult to penetrate otherwise.
Disadvantages of Licensing
1. Limited Control:
o The licensor has limited control over how the products are marketed, sold, and produced in the foreign
market. This can sometimes lead to a lack of consistency in product quality or brand image.
o The licensor might risk revealing proprietary information or technology to the licensee, which could
later be used to create competing products or services.
o If the licensee becomes successful, they may choose to enter the market independently, or use the
knowledge gained to build a competitive product or brand, potentially becoming a competitor to the
licensor.
4. Revenue Limitations:
o Licensing generates revenue mainly through royalties or fees, which may not be as profitable as direct
market operations (e.g., setting up subsidiaries). The licensor’s earnings depend on the performance of
the licensee.
5. Dependency on Licensee:
o The licensor’s success in the foreign market is partly dependent on the licensee's capabilities, such as
their marketing efforts, operational efficiency, and commitment to the brand or technology.
Examples of Licensing
• Coca-Cola licenses its brand to bottling companies worldwide. These companies are authorized to produce and
distribute Coca-Cola products in various countries but must adhere to the company’s strict guidelines on quality
control and brand standards.
• Disney licenses its characters (e.g., Mickey Mouse, Marvel superheroes) to manufacturers and retailers for a
range of consumer goods, including toys, clothing, and accessories, allowing Disney to profit from the use of its
brand and characters without directly manufacturing or selling the products.
FRANCHISING
Franchising is a method of entering foreign markets where a business (the franchisor) allows a foreign company or
individual (the franchisee) to use its brand, business model, trademarks, and operating systems to sell products or
services in exchange for an initial fee and ongoing royalties or payments. It’s a popular strategy for expanding a
business internationally because it offers a way to leverage the resources and local market knowledge of franchisees
while maintaining control over brand and quality standards.
1. Franchisor:
o The company that owns the brand, business model, intellectual property, and know-how.
o The franchisor provides ongoing support, training, and guidelines for the franchisee to ensure consistent
quality and adherence to brand standards.
2. Franchisee:
o The individual or company that buys the rights to operate a business under the franchisor's brand in a
specific location.
o The franchisee invests capital into the business, manages day-to-day operations, and profits from the
sale of goods or services within the franchised territory.
3. Franchise Agreement:
o A legally binding contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the franchisor and
franchisee. It covers aspects such as the franchisee's territory, duration of the agreement, royalty fees,
initial investment, and operational guidelines.
o The upfront payment made by the franchisee to the franchisor for the right to use the brand and business
model. This fee varies widely depending on the franchise.
5. Royalties:
o Ongoing payments made by the franchisee to the franchisor, typically a percentage of the franchisee's
revenue or sales. Royalties ensure continued support and access to the franchisor's brand and systems.
o Franchisees often contribute to a collective marketing or advertising fund managed by the franchisor.
This allows the franchisor to conduct brand-wide marketing campaigns while ensuring local
promotional efforts are aligned with the brand.
Types of Franchising
o The franchisee is granted the right to sell the franchisor's products or services under its brand name.
o The franchisee operates independently but is required to follow the franchisor's operational guidelines.
This model is common in sectors like retail, automotive, and fast food.
o Example: Car dealerships, soft drink distributors (e.g., Coca-Cola), and retail businesses.
o The franchisor provides the franchisee with a complete business system, including operational
procedures, training, marketing, and branding. The franchisee operates the business according to these
systems.
o This is the most common form of franchising and is used in industries such as fast food, hospitality, and
retail.
3. Manufacturing Franchising:
o The franchisor allows the franchisee to produce goods using the franchisor's brand name, technology,
and manufacturing processes. This type of franchising is common in the manufacturing or food
production sectors.
o Example: Soft drink bottling plants that produce beverages under the franchisor's name.
Advantages of Franchising
1. Rapid Expansion:
o Franchising enables a business to expand quickly and efficiently into new markets without bearing all
the financial risk. The franchisee invests their own capital into the business, reducing the burden on the
franchisor.
o Franchisees often have local knowledge of the market, consumer preferences, and business practices,
which can make it easier to enter and succeed in foreign markets.
3. Reduced Risk:
o Franchisors reduce the financial risk of market entry since franchisees bear most of the startup costs.
The franchisee operates the business locally and assumes the operational risks.
4. Scalability:
o Franchising allows businesses to scale rapidly with less capital investment and lower operational costs,
as the franchisee manages the day-to-day operations of the business.
o Franchisors maintain control over their brand’s image and quality standards by establishing detailed
operating guidelines and support for franchisees. This ensures consistent products and services across
all locations.
6. Ongoing Revenue:
o The franchisor receives an ongoing stream of income from royalties, which is typically a percentage of
the franchisee's revenue or sales. This provides a steady income and opportunities for long-term
profitability.
Disadvantages of Franchising
1. Limited Control:
o While franchisors provide detailed systems and guidelines, they may still face challenges in maintaining
full control over the franchisee's operations. Franchisees may not always adhere to the franchisor's
brand standards or operational procedures.
o If a franchisee fails to maintain quality or customer service standards, it can negatively impact the
franchisor’s reputation. Poorly managed franchises can dilute the overall brand image.
3. Profit Sharing:
o Franchisees must pay ongoing royalty fees, which can limit the profitability of the franchisor compared
to owning the business outright.
o International franchisors may face challenges in adapting their business model to local cultural, legal,
and operational differences. The franchisee must adapt to local preferences and market conditions,
which may require modifications to the product or service.
5. Complexity in International Markets:
o Franchising in foreign countries requires understanding the legal and regulatory requirements of the host
country. Franchise laws, intellectual property protection, and tax regulations can vary widely.
1. McDonald's:
o One of the most successful examples of franchising, McDonald's has expanded globally by allowing
local entrepreneurs to operate restaurants under its brand and standardized operational system.
Franchisees benefit from McDonald's brand recognition and operational know-how.
2. Subway:
o Subway has become one of the largest restaurant franchises worldwide by offering a flexible,
low-investment model. The franchise system has enabled rapid expansion into numerous international
markets.
3. 7-Eleven:
o 7-Eleven has successfully expanded its convenience store model through franchising. Local franchisees
are able to adapt the business to their market needs while following a proven business model.
4. Hilton Hotels:
o The Hilton brand has been expanded globally through franchising. Local owners operate Hilton-branded
hotels while following the brand's strict quality standards and operational guidelines.
JOINT VENTURE
A joint venture (JV) is a business arrangement where two or more parties agree to pool their resources to achieve a
specific goal. This could be a new project, entering a new market, or any other business activity.
• Shared risk and reward: Both parties share the risks and rewards associated with the venture.
• Shared governance: Both parties have a say in how the venture is run.
• Separate legal entity: The joint venture is often a separate legal entity from the parent companies.
• Access to new markets: Partnering with a local company can help you enter a new market more quickly and
efficiently.
• Shared resources: Pooling resources can help reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Shared risk: Sharing the risk of a new venture can be beneficial, especially for large or risky projects.
• Access to new technology or expertise: Partnering with a company that has complementary skills or
technology can be advantageous.
Example: A US technology company might form a joint venture with a Chinese manufacturing company to produce and
sell smartphones in the Chinese market. The US company would contribute its technology and brand name, while the
Chinese company would contribute its manufacturing expertise and access to the Chinese market.
o In this type of JV, a new legal entity is formed, with the partners contributing capital, technology, and
other resources. Ownership shares are typically split according to the partners' contributions, and profits
and losses are shared based on ownership percentage.
o Example: A foreign company partnering with a local business to create a new company in the foreign
market.
o This type of JV does not involve the creation of a new company. Instead, the partners work together
based on a contract that outlines their respective contributions, roles, and profit-sharing. It is more of a
collaborative arrangement than the formation of a new business.
o Example: Two companies collaborating on a specific project, such as construction, without forming a
new legal entity.
o When expanding into foreign markets, a JV can provide access to local knowledge, networks, and
expertise. This is particularly valuable in markets with complex regulatory environments or where
understanding local consumer behavior is crucial.
o Since the costs, risks, and resources are shared, the financial burden is lessened for each individual
partner. This makes joint ventures an attractive option for companies looking to minimize the risk of
entering new or uncertain markets.
o Each partner brings different strengths to the table. One partner may provide financial capital, while
another contributes technology, knowledge, or market access. This combination of resources can help
the JV achieve greater success than individual companies working alone.
4. Speed to Market:
o Joint ventures allow companies to enter new markets more quickly. By leveraging the local partner’s
existing infrastructure and market knowledge, a company can shorten the time needed to establish a
presence.
5. Cost Efficiency:
o Sharing the cost of setting up and operating the new venture can result in cost savings for both parties,
especially when entering high-investment industries such as manufacturing or research and
development.
6. Innovation:
o Combining the strengths of two or more companies can lead to greater innovation. For example, a
technology company and a local manufacturer can jointly develop new products or services tailored to
the local market.
1. Management Conflicts:
o With shared control, there is potential for conflicts between the partners over decision-making, strategy,
and operations. Differences in management styles, business philosophies, or goals can cause tension.
2. Cultural Differences:
o When joint ventures involve international partners, differences in corporate culture, business practices,
and communication styles can create challenges in collaboration and decision-making.
3. Unequal Contributions:
o If one partner feels that the contributions of the other party are unequal or insufficient, this can create
dissatisfaction and lead to problems in the partnership.
4. Shared Profits:
o Profits must be shared among all parties in a joint venture. This means each partner receives a smaller
portion of the returns than if they operated alone.
5. Loss of Control:
o Partners in a joint venture must share control of the venture, which can be difficult for companies that
are used to making decisions independently. This can be especially problematic if partners disagree on
key issues.
6. Reputation Risks:
o If one partner behaves poorly or fails to meet expectations, it can damage the reputation of the other
partner(s) involved in the JV. This is particularly important when the JV operates under a shared brand
or market presence.
1. Sony Ericsson:
o A famous joint venture between Sony and Ericsson (the Swedish telecommunications company) was
created to combine Sony’s consumer electronics expertise with Ericsson’s telecommunications
technology. This JV produced successful mobile phones for many years.
o BP (British Petroleum) formed a joint venture with Reliance Industries in India to explore deepwater
oil reserves. BP provided technology and expertise, while Reliance offered local market knowledge and
access to resources.
o Starbucks entered the Indian market through a joint venture with Tata Global Beverages. The local
partner brought knowledge of Indian tastes and preferences, while Starbucks provided its brand and
operational expertise.
o Volkswagen entered the Chinese market through a joint venture with FAW Group, one of China’s
largest car manufacturers. This JV enabled Volkswagen to tap into the fast-growing Chinese automotive
market.
Here are some of the recent developments shaping the landscape of international business:
1. Geopolitical Shifts and Supply Chain Resilience:
• Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and US-China trade
war, have led to increased uncertainty and supply chain disruptions.
Businesses are diversifying their supply chains to reduce reliance on specific regions and mitigate risks.
• Reshoring and Nearshoring: Companies are considering reshoring production to their home countries or
nearshoring to nearby countries to improve supply chain resilience and reduce lead times.
• E-commerce Boom: E-commerce continues to grow rapidly, driven by increasing internet penetration and
smartphone usage.
• Cross-Border E-commerce: Cross-border e-commerce is expanding, creating new opportunities for businesses
to reach global consumers.
• Digital Technologies: Emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain are transforming
international business operations, from supply chain management to customer service.
• Sustainable Business Practices: Consumers and investors are increasingly demanding sustainable business
practices.
• ESG Investing: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are becoming crucial for investment
decisions.
• Circular Economy: Businesses are adopting circular economy principles to reduce waste and conserve
resources.
• Remote Work Culture: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, enabling businesses to tap into
global talent pools.
• Virtual Collaboration: Virtual collaboration tools and platforms are facilitating seamless communication and
teamwork among geographically dispersed teams.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration are essential for global teams.
• Trade Agreements: New trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP), are shaping global trade flows.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating complex regulatory environments in different countries remains a challenge
for international businesses.
• Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: Stricter data privacy regulations, like GDPR and CCPA, are impacting
international data transfers and cybersecurity practices.
By staying informed about these trends and adapting to the evolving global landscape, businesses can navigate the
complexities of international business and seize opportunities for growth.
DIFFERENCE B/W INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND DOMESTIC BUSINESS:
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