Essay Doctorate 1,146 words

Global organization cultural issues and ethical responsibility in international interactions

Last reviewed: August 2, 2012 ~6 min read
Abstract

The Paper presents a discussion on the cultural issues a global corporation faces in international interactions. In the discussion, McDonalds' globalization ventures are discussed and the cultural issues that arise evaluated. The paper discusses the ethical and social issues that need to be dealt with by McDonalds while it considers globalization ventures.

Cultural Issue That Affects Mcdonalds

Research a global organization a cultural issue affects organization's interactions United States. Define cultural issue global organization. Prepare analysis ethical social responsibility issues selected organization deal a result a global organization.

Cultural issue that affects McDonalds

McDonalds' Culture global interaction

McDonalds is fast food restaurant corporations that with branches spread out in over 119 countries in the world and headquarters in united Hill C., 2009.

The corporation's branches around the world are operated either through franchising or the corporation itself. McDonalds is touted to be the most respected and recognized brands in the world. It has more than 30,000 franchised outlets serving over and above 47 million people on a daily basis Hill C., 2009()

As a corporation, McDonalds has remained committed to industry leadership and considered international operations to be a measure sufficient to remain competitive. The influx of restaurants chains has increased competition in the local market thereby increasing the need for the corporation to venture internationally for revenue sustainability. The corporation has also increased its customer portfolio by considering the introduction of meals for children which compels adults to participate in consumption of their products.

Culture Issue within McDonalds

The growth into a global corporation that McDonalds prides itself for has been criticized to make human practice predictable, efficient and controllable an aspect that is now referred to as "McDonaldization" Hill C., 2009.

Further, it has been argued that multinational corporations promote consumerism culture for standardized commodities. Additionally they exploit basic material desires, force an override to local traditions and establish alien ideals that are falsely termed as universal Hofstede G., 1980()

McDonalds' values are guided by a commitment to customer experience in their operations, commitment to its team, ethical operation in business, responsibility to communities and consistency in adapting to customer changes through innovation. The corporation operations are founded on the need to be responsible and doing the right thing and doing it well. Despite the comprehensiveness of the values upheld at McDonalds, numerous challenges are faced.

It is claimed that, McDonalds' globalization has influenced unhealthy consumption habits globally leading to the increasing levels of obese cases. Beauchamp T. And Bowie N. (2004)

argue that cases of expanding waistlines are prone in countries where McDonalds' restaurants are set up with 1 in every 5 adults extremely heavy. The numbers of deaths associated to obesity are rising compared to deaths caused by smoking cigarettes.

The marketing tactics adopted by McDonalds in its globalization ventures to increase profits have influenced a change of culture to unhealthy consumption patterns. Studies have shown Big Mac and medium Fries (one of the main products by McDonalds) to contain a fat content level of 46g and 910 calories Beauchamp T. & Bowie N., 2004.

Consumptions of foods with saturated fats and calories not only contribute to obesity but also diabetes, heart diseases, cancer and high blood pressure. There are cases where the consumption of these foods led to addiction Beauchamp T. & Bowie N., 2004()

The increased operations by McDonalds in the global market have also affected children who are facing similar problems as adults. McDonalds has been blamed for child exploitation through their marketing culture to expand their brands knowledge in the market. The heights of their exploitation are by use of a clown which greatly influences unwarranted demand by children. The demand for McDonalds' happy meals through colorful promotions, advertisements and campaigns in schools has increased. This has increased the number of children diagnosed obesity and worse off diabetes and high blood pressure -- illnesses that are prone to adults.

Comprehensively McDonalds' globalization has led to changes in consumption habits of a majority in their respective country of operations. The changes in consumption habits influenced by the corporation's effective marketing have disregarded the welfare of communities they regard as a highly priced asset. The corporation has also failed to enhance the cultures in the communities they initiate operations. Instead, McDonalds has introduced foreign ideologies and ways of life in a bid to build a sustainable brand profile.

Ethical and Social Responsibility Issues to be dealt with McDonalds needs to face up with the accusations that its brands are not nutritious and a hazardous to the health of consumers. It should have ethical consideration for the lower income consumers and children who have less of a choice in the quality of food they consume. The corporation needs to understand that their consumers are important for shareholder's satisfaction. There ethics concern here should be inclined to ensuring a medically healthy clientele base is sustained. With the ever rising cases of obesity in their countries of operations, it will not be long before substantial demand for their products is wiped out Hill C., 2009()

In the global economy, there have been increased concerns for a consumer perspective. This has influenced corporations to consider changes in their operations reflecting what is good for the consumers' well-being. McDonalds needs to change its ethical perspective in order to reflect what articulates their best interests.

The corporation's social responsibility to the issue of unhealthy consumption leading to obesity among other illness needs attention. The corporation should consider resolving the negative impact to the customer by providing health tips as well as treatment where need arises. This will impact on the corporations' revenue base but, it will also change the corporations' image in the community. There being rising cases levying complaints on the corporation unhealthy products, the corporation needs a swift change to ensure sustainability in the global market. McDonalds need to show concern will for those affected by as opposed to discrediting scientific studies and critiques to their business models. The corporation also needs to change its product portfolio and, maintain the business model that reflects consumer needs and changing trends Hill C., 2009()

You’re 86% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.

Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log in
130,000+ paper examples AI writing assistant Citation generator Cancel anytime
Cite This Paper
PaperDue. (2012). Global organization cultural issues and ethical responsibility in international interactions. PaperDue. https://www.paperdue.com/essay/cultural-issue-that-affects-mcdonalds-research-81464

Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.