Chapter 15, Problem 1ST

Which of the following is not a reason for U.S. firms operating in foreign markets? A.Better economic and political environment (in the U.S.) B.Less expensive labor C.Tax incentives D. To achieve international diversification

1. Should international companies invest in countries with totalitarian regimes? Why?

The complexity posed by differences in the cultural, political, legal, and economic environments creates a so-called “liability of foreignness.” This idea holds that foreign companies, because of their poorer familiarity with local conditions, incur additional costs. In theory, the liability of foreignness makes IB activity too expensive. In practice, companies offset this liability by capitalizing on their unique advantages as well as selecting the mode of international business that best reflects their resource profile and risk tolerance--Always in the effort toward minimizing the intrinsic higher costs of international operations. The higher costs of international operations, executives point out, are driven by things as varied as the cost of legally establishing businesses, real estate costs, customs duties, and translation costs. Managing these costs is complicated by the report that    _53_______%___ of global CEOs are concerned about the impact of    __bribery and…