Exxon Mobile's Global Expansion
Exxon Mobile is a multinational company in the oil and natural resources industry that has a presence in many different parts of the civilized world. Surprisingly, Exxon Mobile does not have any locations or subsidiaries in Central America. Because of this fact, it is natural that the conglomerate should expand its presence in response to the "globalization of markets" (Weston, 2002, p. 69) in this part of the world. As such, there are numerous factors that make Guatemala ideal for its to broaden its global environment in.
The characteristics that best suit Guatemala as a suitable place for Mobile Exxon to expand its global operations in predominantly relate to its location. Although it is in central America, it borders the North American country of Mexico in which Exxon has operated out of for over 100 years. Additionally, central America in general is located between North and South America, and Exxon does business both of these continents.
Thus, merely in terms of supplying a startup in Guatemala, Exxon has the capacity to expand to this part of the world.
The principle barriers to expanding to Guatemala include international relations between Exxon (which is headquartered) and the former. Exxon would have to initiate a new order in a new country pertaining to its company, so it would essentially have to start over in terms of gaining international permission to operate in this country. Exxon can readily overcome those barriers, however, by merely ingratiating itself to the government there, since oftentimes businesses need "political clout to make ... things happen" (Richter et al., 2014, p. 134). It can begin this process by emphasizing the number of jobs that its expansion in this country would produce for the latter, and by taking active measures to hire various members of local communities to support its operation there. Thus, it can engender a relationship that is mutually beneficial to both parties and overcome the aforementioned barriers.
References
Richter, B.K., Cohen, K., Harrington, J. (2014). Do business and politics mix?" Harvard Business Review. 92(11), 133-137.
Weston, J. F. (2002). "The Exxon-Mobile merger: an archetype." Journal of Applied Finance. 12(1), 69-88.
