International Business

Part
I
You
are planning to expand your fast-food hamburger franchise internationally and
have decided to open in the United Arab Emeritus, Israel, Mexico and China.
Knowing that all of these countries and its people have different cultures,
customs, beliefs, values and attitudes that are unique to their country and
different from that of the United States, consider how this would impact your
fast-food business. What are some of the considerations to keep in mind
concerning how these different social and religious values and cultures
have on food preparation and eating, the social behaviors to be sensitive to
regarding employees and customers, the type of trainings that will be required,
the work attitudes and behaviors, and any ethical standards that you may need
to develop? Are the attitudes in these countries individualistic or collective?

Part
II
If
you were to send your top managers to these countries, what type of cultural
shock should they expect? How would you help them alleviate this stress?
Provide a few examples from each country.
Part
III
In
many countries, “expeditors” can help you cut through layers of bureaucracy so
that you can get your business done or done faster. Expeditors are normally
paid for what they do, and they may ask you to help finance other expeditors
within these countries that will help move your business request through the
system faster. The methods that are being used could ultimately be unethical,
illegal, or maybe not at all.
How would you go about making sure the practice of an
expeditor is legal?Would you approve a paid transaction requested by an
expeditor if it was acceptable in the country, but unethical back in the
United States? (defend your position) What business ethics are involved in
your decision making process?