The International Business Environment: Challenges and Changes

Description

This engaging text offers a comprehensive introduction to the global environment that businesses operate in today. It addresses the key issues and institutions within economic, political and legal frameworks, as well as the impacts of social, cultural, technological and environmental developments. Responding to an increasingly international business environment, the book offers a truly global perspective and broad and discursive coverage of the external environment that businesses operate in today. Maintaining a strong business focus throughout, the book offers valuable pedagogical support including exercises and case studies that cover a broad range of organisations from across the world. Regular mini-cases, chapter summaries, references and further reading also aid learning. Now in full colour for the first time, this text offers a clear and well-designed layout, including full-colour maps that enable the reader to visualise the international context and think critically about different perspectives. Aimed at undergraduate students taking an introductory module on the context and environment of business as part of an International Business, Business Studies or Management degree. Cover The International Business Environment Contents Preface Guided Tour Maps Acknowledgements The international business environment Learning outcomes Key concepts Environmental forces The international business environment: a definition A classification of environmental forces Environmental stakeholders Geo-political scales The organisation–environment relationship A model of the business environment Perceptual filters Dynamism and complexity The organisation Types of organisations Environmental forecasting Forecasting in a dynamic and complex environment An approach to forecasting Forecasting techniques Impact analysis Environmental analysis and strategic process Strategy, structure and environmental influence Strategic planning Conclusion Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References The competitive environment Learning outcomes Key concepts Introduction The traditional economic view The command economy The market economy and the price mechanism The market for goods and services Monopoly Oligopoly Monopolistic competition Summary Contestable markets Structural analysis of competitive forces Rivalry among competitors Threat of entry Threat of substitution Bargaining power of buyers and suppliers Competitor analysis Conclusion Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References The international economic environment Learning outcomes Key concepts Introduction Measures of macroeconomic activity The role of the state in the economy Economic cycles Macroeconomic goals Economic growth Inflation Employment International trade Exchange rate systems Fixed exchange rate Floating exchange rate The Bretton Woods System Current exchange rate systems European integration The impact of the Single European Market Maastricht and beyond The impact of EMU on government economic policy The impact of the European single currency on business Enlargement of the EU Commodity prices Corporate social responsibility Conclusion Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References The technological environment Learning outcomes Key concepts Introduction Why is technology important? What is technology? Technology and modern organisations Funding of research and development National differences Indicators of scientific and technological progress Other indicators Sectoral differences Some general technologies Information and communication technologies Advanced manufacturing technology Supply chain management and just-in-time Business use of the World Wide Web Future technologies Technology and organisations Technology and organisation structure Technology and industry structure Technology, jobs and skills Technology and productivity Technological change and job stress Teleworking and working from home Managing technology Technology development The organisation of research and development Technological change and society Ethical aspects of technological change Workplace surveillance Technology and safety Technological change and vulnerability Technology and waste Conclusion Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References The international cultural, demographic and social environment Learning outcomes Key concepts Introduction The national cultural environment Definitions of national culture National culture and globalisation Identifying differences in national culture The impact of national culture on business practices The demographic environment Key drivers of population change Birth rate factors Death rate factors Migration factors Patterns of population change The impact of population growth The distribution of population Wider implications of population change Social dynamics The changing family Changing lifestyles Health Smoking and alcohol Crime Terrorism Education Work trends Conclusion Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References The ecological environment Learning outcomes Key concepts Introduction The impact of the marketplace on the ecological environment: an economic perspective The theory of demand The theory of supply Price determination Market forces and the environment Externalities Actions by companies which affect other companies Actions by companies which affect individuals Actions by individuals which affect companies Actions by individuals which affect other individuals Summary Measures available to limit externalities Property rights Market solutions Tradeable permits Regulation and legislation Government regulation at different geo-political scales Regulation at global level Regulation at regional level Regulation at national level Regulation at local level Organisational agendas Corporate social responsibility The environment and stakeholders The influence of stakeholder power Environmental options The importance of the organisation’s environmental context Self-regulation The position of the consumer Conclusion Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References The international political environment Learning outcomes Key concepts Introduction The different geo-political levels Global scale Regional scale National scale Local scale The nation state Systems of government Functions of government The changing attitudes of governments and institutions The role of government Changing attitudes in the UK Regulation, deregulation, markets and planning The impact of governments and institutions Political risk, stability and the attitudes of policy-makers Global challenges – corruption, terrorism and climate change Conclusion Change and stability, liberalisation and privatisation Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References The legal environment Learning outcomes Key concepts Introduction The law The law and morality The law and national boundaries National law The English system of law Courts in England and Wales European Union law Business law Forming a business entity Contract law Tort – Negligence and liability International business law Criminal law Consumer protection Competition law Intellectual property rights (IPR) Employer relationships Health and safety International law Nationally legislated laws affecting international business Sanctions Embargos Extraterritoriality Nationalisation Expropriation International laws and treaties International conventions Terrorism and security Legal risks International dispute resolution Conclusion Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References Globalisation, challenges and changes Learning outcomes Key concepts Introduction Globalisation The consequences of globalisation Changes in the international business environment The nature of the international business environment Implications for individuals and groups Implications for organisations Implications for governments Flexible working Forms of flexible of working The public sector The changing scope of the public sector Future trends? Conclusion Summary of main points Discussion questions Further reading/sources of information References Index