The process of globalization present unprecedented problems for global managers due to the complex
“interplay of individuals, social frameworks and culture: that we live in a complex, open and changing world of meanings; that the meanings we create are evanescent, that is, they can be shattered as soon as we structure them; that the result of living in a multiple and changing world is a fragmented sense of identity. That challenges are increasingly presented to the stability of particular perspectives by the overall globalization process, the cognitive compression of the world and the intensification of a global consciousness.” (Roniger, 1995)
A few potential problems could arise if a company with global ambitions fails to overcome political challenges. The foremost is loss of goodwill among the political elite. Often in Third World countries, having the right contacts is the only means to developing the business. A manager who will strictly play by the rules is bound not to make progress. In terms of geo-economics, a major problem is coming to terms with the functioning of the local economy. This entails having a fair grasp of the demographic distribution of wealth and identifying target consumer groups. Later, catering culturally appealing marketing campaigns toward the target consumer group brings its own set of challenges. The designing of price entry points for the products is a key decision. Today, economic crises cut across all continents and
“threaten a continued domino effect as leaders transition out of office because of gridlock and lack of public confidence. Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa – all are facing economic crises with implications for global business plans. These happenings represent change on a global scale that reflects immigration, migration, changing populations, struggling economies, and environmental challenges, health status – including nutrition issues of starvation and obesity – and continued technological drivers that will foster even more transitions.” (Baugher, 2012)
The implications of globalization for geo-economy go further. It also translates to “more free markets, less protection, more labour market deregulation. In this dystopia a globalised, deindustrialised, rurally depressed society with high unemployment and high levels of foreign ownership is envisioned”. (Curthoys & Johnson, 1998, p. 97)
As far as resolving cultural issues, patience and keeping an open-mind are quite important. Expecting a through business attitude from local vendors and partners can often backfire. Savoir-faire or the acumen to mix politics with business is the requisite approach. Hence, arranging luncheons and dinners for the local business and political elite goes a long way toward achieving business goals. In the context of business in emerging economies social grace and charisma are more effective than rigorous strategic planning as taught in B-schools. These intangible qualities also help the process of understanding the cultural mindset and how they shape the consumption patterns. Thus, the solutions to geo-economic challenges are also linked to the solutions for cultural and political problems. It is fair to claim that there are no scientific methods or theoretical models one could use for successfully growing a business across the globe. The intangible qualities of good leadership such as charisma, intuition and educated risk-taking often override the systematic side of management and decision making.