As mentioned above, local business owners are in touch with the cultural paradigm of their customers and can therefore handle marketing and other products in a way that appeals to their customer base. This in turn results in greater success and greater revenue. These translate into the eventual royalties reaching McDonald's. In general then, the success attained by such franchises result in more income for the parent company, as a more targeted marketing approach means greater success. The parent company is then free to focus on its own local expansion opportunities. In general I therefore believe that McDonald's philosophy and principles adheres well to its franchising paradigm. The global nature of the business requires a diversity of owners and managers. This is done optimally by the franchising system.

In general, McDonald's has proved itself and its brand to...

It is a sought-after franchise, and has successfully opened many worldwide businesses. Its willingness to expand its menu to cater for specific local tastes is furthermore indicative of its excellence not only in terms of revenue, but also in terms of service excellence to the customer. The way in which franchises are driven is a testament to the success of the small fast food business started more than fifty years ago.
Sources

British Franchise Association. "McDonald's UK Franchise." 2006. http://www.whichfranchise.com/franchisorPage.cfm?companyID=255

Hadzima, Joe. "Subchapter S: Some Myths, Realities and Practical Considerations." 1994-2005. http://web.mit.edu/e-club/hadzima/subchapter-s.html

McDonald's Corporation. "Company Info." 2007. http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/pages/companyinfo/franchiseinfo.html