Global Environment of Business

The Global Environment of Business provides students with a truly international perspective that integrates both market (industry structure) and nonmarket (i.e. political forces) analysis concisely, in a way not found in other texts. The following key issues are emphasized: Industry Structure: Management must strategize to deal with the bargaining strength of customers, suppliers, and competitiors on a country by country basis. Low cost labour and outsourcing are changing the nature of the firm dramatically. Macroeconomic Forces: Management must formulate country strategies in light of each country's income levels and growth rates, foreign exchange rates, inflation rates, interest rates, and unemployment rates. Political Forces: Regulations, financial incentives, tax regimes, investment restrictions, and trade agreements differ widely from country to country. Societal Forces: Ethics, labour, and environmental practices differ from country to country. In addition, specific consumer preferences and demographic trends must play a role in national strategies. Technological Forces: Strategies must correspond to each country's technological infrastructure and the pace and direction of technological change.