...outsourcing? 2. What are the key elements of sociocultural barriers to trade? How can companies overcome these barriers? 3. How has NAFTA impacted the U.S.? Overall, do you believe that it was a positive move for the U.S.? Why or why not? 4. Take a look at Fortune magazine’s most recent list of the 500 largest global companies ( HYPERLINK "http://fortune.com/global500/" http://fortune.com/global500/). (If this link doesn’t work, just copy and paste the URL in your browser.) What are the top 10 companies on the list? What industry, if any, dominates this Top 10 list? What country, if any, dominates this Top 10 list? What country dominates the overall Global 500 list? 5. From golden arches to blockbuster movies, American business has clearly influenced cultures around the world. But foreign industries and companies have also shaped American culture. Brainstorm a list of 5 foreign goods or services that have influenced American culture; include the specific good or service as well as its country of origin. Get creative! Chapter 3 Q1.Why is outsourcing such an attractive way for firms to tap into foreign markets? What are the risks of foreign outsourcing? Foreign outsourcing means contracting with foreign suppliers to produce products, usually at a fraction of the cost of domestic production. For example, Apple depends on firm in China and Taiwan to produce the iPhone....
Words: 1161 - Pages: 5
...In more simple words, it is commonly referred to as “false consciousness,” originally from politics, ideology refers to the way people think about the world and their ideal concept of how to live in the world. A very board term that has different branches and can relate to many different parts of media; it is a system of values, attitudes and beliefs that are important to an individual, group or society. All forms of media can have a great ideological influence on their audience and most media portrays a dominant message that can define the values and beliefs of an individual or society whether in a positive or a negative way. Dominant ideologies are ideologies that are used very commonly by the media that are sometimes mistaken for reality. They are always reflected in the media, and reflect dominate social relations and support dominant social groups. If those in charge of our society – politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television – can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves. (Zinn, 1991) Zinn’s understanding of ideology and how it dominates our world is true, we are controlled by what controls the media. The media shows us only what we need to know, people watch the news to stay informed and on top of what is happening in the world, but the news does not give us the full story. The news gives...
Words: 1810 - Pages: 8
...VALUE CHAIN: U.S. Cotton End Consumer Retailers Inbound logistics (Import) Farmers & Laborers Manufacture Outbound logistics (export) Over the last fifty years, the U.S. cotton industry has seen a great reduction in labor force, a significant feat in agriculture R&D and engineering, and the remarkable ability of farmers to unite and take ownership of cotton production. American cotton farmer’s ability to dominate is due to the combination of ingenuity, mechanization, agriculture research and command of the value chain. One must also not forget to factor in America’s history of free and cheap labor though slavery and sharecropping which gave the American cotton farmer a huge head start over foreign competition. Today, The U.S. government plays a major role in the farming industry. American cotton farmers have a large competitive advantage over their foreign counterpart due to government subsidies. Government subsidies guarantee US farmers a minimum of 72.24 cent per pound of cotton. This is almost double that of the global market for cotton, which in 2004, was at 38 cents per pound. The government also requires America based clothing factories to purchase a certain percent of their cotton from American farmers. In addition to subsidies, there are programs that ensure farmers against weather losses, specialized loans, and grants to help to farmers develop new technologies, all to ease the minds of farmers so they “don’t lose too much sleep”...
Words: 620 - Pages: 3
...r reflect these Myths. The values of American though can be seen in the movie especially from the main character, Chris Gardner. The movie is based on a true story. It tells about Chris Gardner who is struggling to sell his bones machine. He is abandoned by his wife as the life of the family become harder because Chris can not produce any money. He lives mobile with his son after being driven out of his apartment. Realizing that his expensive bones machine can not change his life, he struggles to find a job. He join a program in Dean Witter stock broker company to be the only who is accepted in the strict competition to be stock broker. Many obstacles he faces in gaining this achievement, but he stays strong and belief that everything will be alright. Although he is strong, he criticizes Thomas Jefferson and his declaration of independence in how he recited the phrase the pursuit of happiness. He just wonders why happiness should be pursued- he compares it with his life in ‘running’ for the happiness. The pursuit of Happiness reflects the typical value of American people and the pursuit of happiness that strongly engraved in the mind of its people. The rights to have a better life in the wilderness of the world support this idea. Chris runs to pursue his dreams for his only son. The strong idea of hard worker and optimistic dominate the character of Chris and most of the successful people depicted in the movie. In this case, the values of American thought that can be seen is...
Words: 2355 - Pages: 10
...Abstract The point of this paper is to help the reader grasp the different aspects of human identity construction with regards to ones race and/or ethnicity. This is a topic that is incredibly important to all races of people regardless of economic class or whatever else is seemingly more important. It is quite impossible to go throughout life without forming an idea of who you are or where you have come whether you care to make it a part of your daily life, have no choice or acknowledge it when it is convenient; without that knowledge I find it difficult to fully make the most of life. Through the readings from the semester and class discussions I have come to the conclusion that White ethnics choose to either assert their ethnicities thickly or thinly, or they chose to incorporate it into their lives symbolically. Blacks on the other side of the spectrum lack choice in their racial identity because their race is visible and so it is assigned to them. Asians have both the ability to choose to assert their specific ethnicities but they are racially assigned. The issue with racial and ethnic construction is that it is born of social construction-what others believe of your race to be true. This can make the identity construction process much more difficult depending upon your racial or ethnic background. Regardless, I find this to be an important part of the identity construction journey. How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone. ...
Words: 5152 - Pages: 21
...British Literature 1 October 2015 The Ruler After the fall of Roman Empire was the rise of a new religion, Christianity. The Christianity religion was the doctrine or belief that there is only one god which differ the Roman culture. The poet as historian is known as the scop in the Anglo-Saxon culture. To understand culture, one has to understand the belief set. The hero is the most dominant archetype in Beowulf because it deals with the fraternity warrior’s culture. Although the pluralism of Anglo-Saxon culture is very similar to our American culture, the archetype of The Ruler takes place in America today because everyone wants to take control and have power over their own lives and others around. In Literature, an Archetype is a typical character, an action or a situation that seems to represent such universal pattern or human nature. There are many set archetypes; The Innocent, The Lover, and The Rebel. However, the one that dominates the most in Anglo-Saxon culture is the Hero. “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, but will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me” (Beowulf’s Last Battle 607-610). In Anglo-Saxon culture being boastful and prideful is praised because it is a characteristic of a Hero. The poem itself was named after Beowulf to show that he was the dominant hero, the one who stood in the spotlight. “Then he stepped to another still body, clutched at Beowulf with his claws, grasped...
Words: 966 - Pages: 4
...Cultural Interaction Essay There are many complexities involved in the interaction between two cultures. The article, “A Battle of Cultures”, by K. Connie Kang, discusses the hostile relationship that formed between Korean-Americans and African-Americans due to their differing social customs. Another prominent text that covers the topic of cultural interaction is the book Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Achebe focuses the story on a protagonist named Okonkwo who lives in Umuofia, one of the nine Nigerian clans; Okonkwo resists the Christian religious practices that are rapidly replacing the original Nigerian traditions. Undesirably, cultural interaction can create hostility between peoples if one culture is deemed superior to the other. Still, cultural interaction can be positive in the sense that it promotes understanding and acceptance between the two cultures and encourages the development of constructive relationships between members of the two cultures. Thus, despite there being both benefits and detriments cultural interaction generally has a favorable effect. Opposition between peoples comes about when one culture is perceived to be better than the other. In Things Fall Apart by Achebe, he writes, “Three [Christian] converts had gone into the village and boasted openly that all the gods were dead and impotent…The [converts] were seized and beaten until they streamed with blood” (154). Previously, the Christians did not have much interaction with the...
Words: 1073 - Pages: 5
...Imagine a world in which no communication existed, verbal and non-verbal, how could an individual develop learned behaviors, traditions, values, morals…culture? In fact, how could an individual even exist? Communication dominates and is what drives our lives. Culture, by definition, “is a learned behavior by members of a social group” (Baran, 9). These behaviors are taught by parents to their children, teachers to their students, media to their viewers, etc. Culture is all around us at every point in our lives, as stated by one anthropologist, “culture is the medium evolved by humans to survive, and nothing is free from cultural influences” (Baran, 9). For a moment, think about average daily routines and how culture dominates every aspect. From items chosen to be eaten for breakfast to the music one listens to, all is culture. Culture is found in verbal communication, how one addresses their elders, in non-verbal communication, how one makes eye contact, and in mediated communication, advertisements and television shows. Culture is everywhere and is transmitted through every type of communication. “Communication is the transmission of a message from a source to a receiver” (Baran, 4). In order for there to be culture, communication has to exist. Communication has many forms, the impact of which the message is transmitted depends on the culture that the message is being transmitted through. For example as the internet is growing and social media and smart phones are more readily...
Words: 409 - Pages: 2
...majesties. These two images are just a few of the many images that are celebrated within the United States. Recruiting and migration are two ways that culture is born. American culture has also evolved in many ways. Today American culture is still evolving. Religion, ethnicity, and politics are just a few ways culture has also evolved. Traditionally, the United States was considered a Western Culture that consists of an Anglo majority which prevails politically and economically. The United Stated is chiefly based of British culture. Its influences derive from Europe, the indigenous peoples, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Because of the enormity of United States culture, there are many integrated and exclusive subcultures that exist. There are two prominent artifacts that dominate American culture, the symbols are, the Bald Eagle and the red, white and blue flag. Associated with American culture are espoused values. Espoused values is the diversity that people share such as; strategies, goals and philosophies. America is the “land of opportunity” and for this reason, many have migrated to America and are motivated to seek out a better life. Their customs and espoused values are factored into why there are so many sub cultural influences in the United States. Americans in the earlier generations with ethnocentric ideas established their communities throughout the United States. Those who have migrated have settled into regions that are...
Words: 595 - Pages: 3
...different from each other. Since we have decided to extend our fast food hamburger franchise to include UAE (United Arab Emirates), Israel, Mexico and China we must first do some research on the culture, language, religious beliefs, and values of these new countries. The first thing I would research is the different cultures and how they will impact the business. Does their culture even allow for this type of food? In the articles that I researched, the countries that I will expand my franchise to will only have one major issue, which is the same issue in the United States. That issue is obesity. United Arab Emirates – With American fast food already being global I foresee no issues with the type of food prepared in my fast food chain expanding to the UAE. Since the 1980’s the Middle East has had American fast food chains. (Pulitzer Center, 2012) According to Shane McGinley “The UAE restaurant market is set to grow 30 percent to $780m in the next four years and will be dominated by American-style fast food brands, an industry expert have said.” (McGinley, 2011) Israel – Nathan Jeffay say “For two decades it has been flying the flag for American fast food in a sea of falafel shops and shwarma joints.” (Jeffay, 2010) He also states that several American fast food chains have already failed in Israel. So moving my franchise there would entail a complete change of the menu to exclude burgers and include falafels and pitas. Mexico – Opening a new franchise in Mexico...
Words: 1121 - Pages: 5
...during the 1940 presidential election divided Americans as much if not greater than any election before it ever had. The debate that consumed the country took place between the isolationists and the interventionists. Those who wanted to stay out of the war that was ravaging Europe (although some for nefarious reasons) and those who (while opposed to sending troops to Europe) felt that the United Stated should support those nations holding out against the Nazi machine. Americans faced a grave decision in choosing who to cast their vote for and it was not a black and white decision. The option was to choose between Franklin Roosevelt, a savvy politician who danced around the question of committing Americans to the war despite being a proven internationalist and Wendell Willkie, the unlikely Republican...
Words: 947 - Pages: 4
...American Culture Teresa Grass BUS 610: Organizational Behavior Instructor: Gary Gentry Date: September 2, 2013 The United States of America as we know of to be home of the brave and land of the free. The United States of America landscape is quiet luxurious and seldom defined as purple mountain majesties. Among all the celebrated images these are just a few linked to the culture of the U.S. The culture of a country is conducted in many techniques starting with migration and recruitment. The culture of American came from a group of dissimilar individuals consisting of much political encouragement, morals, and many religions. The U.S. is customarily known as culture of Western that is made of an majority of Anglo which considered a Western culture that consists of an Anglo majority which overcomes economically and politically. The culture of the British is really the foundation of the U.S. with encouragement from Asian Americans, African Americans, indigenous individuals and Europe. Because of the majority of the culture of the U.S. there are many integrated yet exclusive subcultures that occur within America (Frost, n.d.). The espoused values of the U.S. the level that is linked with the culture of Americans consist of the variety of individuals that share espoused values that are openly including philosophies, goals, and strategies. The principles and conduct are communicated with characteristic of their specific kind of age, moral, and social groups. The...
Words: 778 - Pages: 4
...power to dominate and to exploit. The first human war dates back thousands of centuries back and ever since wars and battles have continued between different tribes, races and countries. In a nutshell we could say that almost all of the wars were fought to dominate and gain superiority over your opponents. In the 20th century a new terminology termed as “Global Leadership” has emerged onto the global scenario. This policy has been one of the most crucial yet the most secrete policy of America. Ever Since United States of America won the World War 2, the desire to control and dominate has been constantly increasing among the Americans. The question of whether the United states should act as a policeman for other countries has been long debated over the past couple of decades, On one side there are people who support the quest of Usa being given the role of the world peace maker and on the other majority are those who question; “Who is USA to control or act as a policeman for other countries?” History of wars to dominate other cultures, creeds, races and nations goes back to thousands of years. As over the centuries resources have become limited and the fight and the desire to control the world’s resource has intensified. Relations between countries has defoliated and has brought the world to the levels of mass destruction in the form of World War 1 and World War 2. At the time of both WW 1 and WW 2 there were not many genuine reasons to fight except to control, dominate and show...
Words: 4602 - Pages: 19
...Polaris Case Rui’s qualitative analysis External Factors Opportunities 1. Moving manufacture to China or Mexico would reduce cost and increase profitability 2. Increasing sales in International market 3. Easy to find well trained trades people in LCCs (China and Mexico) 4. Joint venture or acquisitions in LCCs for market growth would help Polaris get in. 5. Major demand for Side-by-Sides are from southern US (California and Texas) Threats 1. Economics slowdown in US negatively impact the sales and the trend may continue in the upcoming years. 2. Increasing oil price may add to cost (production closer to customer would be ideal). 3. Macroeconomics perspective: inflation in Mexico and China might not be advantage. 4. Lack of talent in America or trades students don't like their manufacturing place. 5. Laying off 60 trained domestic employees with financial loss of 1.2 million and damage to the brand and may damage brand image. Internal Factors Strength 1. Experienced and well respected in the industry 2. Strong sales and brand name 3. Ability to extend product lines given parts and accessories market grew significantly and introduction of “Victory” 4. Established warehouse and distribution facilities in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Winnipeg 5. Proactive approach from management. Looking for ways to improve and save cost Weakness 1. 80% sales from US while the economy is sinking. Not enough exposure...
Words: 649 - Pages: 3
...What about his speeches, actions, and his party's anti-inclusive platform emulates the peak of when America was great? Or, what about it inspires the emersion of the American Dream and its potential to once again be achieved through the views of Donald Trump? How does one excuse his rhetoric or the Party's desire to oppress specific groups of fellow citizens? How can a self-respecting woman look beyond misogyny and place her support for a man who publicly promotes negative-body image and shaming. How can an American citizen, blessed with Democracy and...
Words: 468 - Pages: 2
