1. Global Business Today 8e
by Charles W.L. Hill
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education.  This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner.  This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part. 

2. National Differences in Political Economy
Chapter 2
National Differences
in Political Economy

3. Introduction Question: What is the political economy of a country?
Answer:
A country’s political economy refers to its political, economic, and legal systems
These systems are interdependent, and interact and influence each other
A country’s political system has major implications for the practice of international business

4. Political system - the system of government in a nation
Political Systems
Political system - the system of government in a nation
Political systems can be assessed in terms of the degree to which they:
Are democratic or totalitarian
Emphasize collectivism as opposed to individualism

5. Collectivism and Individualism
Collectivism - a system that stresses the primacy of collective goals over individual goals
Can be traced to the Greek philosopher Plato
Today, socialists support collectivism
When collectivism is emphasized, the needs of the society as whole are generally viewed as being more important than individual freedoms

6. Collectivism and Individualism
Socialism
Modern socialists trace their roots to Karl Marx
Advocated state ownership of the basic means of production, distribution, and exchange
The state then manages the enterprises for the benefit of society as a whole

7. Collectivism and Individualism
In the early 20th century, socialism split into communists and social democrats:
Communists - collectivism could only be achieved though revolution and totalitarian dictatorship
Social democrats worked to achieve the same goals by democratic means
Many state-owned enterprises failed to succeed, and today, many nations are implementing privatization programs

8. Collectivism and Individualism
Individualism - suggests individuals should have freedom over their economic and political pursuits
Can be traced to Aristotle who argued that individual diversity and private ownership are desirable
Individualism stresses:
Individual freedom and self-expression
Letting people pursue their own self-interests to achieve the best overall good for society
Democratic systems and free markets

9. Democracy and Totalitarianism
Question: What is the difference between a democracy and totalitarianism?
Answer:
Democracy - political system in which government is by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives
Most common form today is representative democracy- elected representatives vote on behalf of constituents
Totalitarianism - form of government in which one person or political party exercises absolute control over all spheres of human life, and opposing political parties are prohibited

10. Democracy and Totalitarianism
In most totalitarian regimes:
There is widespread political repression
There are no free and fair elections
Media is censored
Basic civil liberties are denied
Challenges to the regime are prohibited

11. Democracy and Totalitarianism
There are four major forms of totalitarianism today:
Communist totalitarianism: advocates achieving socialism through totalitarian dictatorship
Theocratic totalitarianism: political power is monopolized by a party, group, or individual that governs according to religious principles
Tribal totalitarianism: a political party that represents the interests of a particular tribe monopolizes power
Right wing totalitarianism: individual economic freedom is allowed but individual political freedom is restricted in the belief that it could lead to communism

12. Putting it into Practice
Peaceful transfer of power: Why was the whole world watching?
The recent U.S. presidential election was closely followed around the world. Many supported the more familiar positions of Barrack Obama over the unknown policies of Mitt Romney.

13. Economic Systems Political ideology and economic systems are connected
There are three types of economic systems: the market economy, the command economy, and the mixed economy
A free market system is likely in countries where individual goals are given primacy over collective goals
State-owned enterprises and restricted markets are common in countries where collective goals are dominant

14. Market Economy
In a pure market economy the goods and services that a country produces, and the quantity in which they are produced is determined by supply and demand
Consumers, through their purchases, determine what is produced and in what quantity
The role of government is to encourage free and fair competition between private producers

15. Command Economy
In a pure command economy the goods and services that a country produces, the quantity in which they are produced, and the price at which they are sold are all planned by the government
All businesses are state owned, and so have little incentive to control costs and be efficient
Because there is no private ownership, there is little incentive to better serve consumer needs

16. The number of mixed economies in the world today is falling
Mixed Economy
A mixed economy includes some elements of a market economy and some elements of a command economy
Governments tend to take over troubled firms that are considered to be vital to national interests
The number of mixed economies in the world today is falling

17. Legal Systems
The legal system of a country refers to the rules, or laws, that regulate behavior, along with the processes by which the laws of a country are enforced and through which redress for grievances is obtained
A country’s legal system is important because laws:
Regulate business practice
Define the manner in which business transactions are to be executed
Set down the rights and obligations of those involved in business transactions

18. Different Legal Systems
There are three main types of legal systems:
Common law - based on tradition, precedent, and custom
Found in most of Great Britain’s former colonies, including the United States
Civil law - based on a very detailed set of laws organized into codes
Found in over 80 countries, including Germany, France, Japan, and Russia
Theocratic law - based on religious teachings
Islamic law is the most widely practiced

19. Differences in Contract Law
Question: How do common law and civil differ?
The two systems approach contract law (the body of law that governs contract enforcement) in different ways
A contract - specifies the conditions under which an exchange is to occur and details the rights and obligations of the parties involved
In a common law state, contracts are very detailed with all contingencies spelled out
In a civil law state, contracts are shorter and much less specific

20. Differences in Contract Law
Question: In a contract dispute, which country’s laws should apply?
Answer:
The United Nations Convention in Contracts for the International Sales of Goods (CIGS) establishes a uniform set of rules governing certain aspects of the making and performance of everyday commercial contracts between sellers and buyers who have their places of business in different nations
Countries that adopt CIGS signal to other nations that they will treat the Convention’s rules as part of their law

21. Property Rights and Corruption
Property rights - the legal rights over the use to which a resource is put and over the use made of any income that may be derived from that resource
Property rights can be violated by:
Private action (theft, piracy, blackmail, and the like by private individuals or groups)
Public action (public officials extort income or resources from property holders)
Excessive taxation, requiring expensive licenses or permits from property holders, or taking assets into state ownership without compensating the owners

22. Property Rights and Corruption
Corruption is present in all countries to some degree, however when a country has a high level of corruption:
Foreign direct investment falls
International trade falls
Economic growth falls

23. Property Rights and Corruption
Rankings of Corruption by Country, 2011

24. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act limits corruption in the U.S
It is illegal to bribe a foreign government official in order to obtain or maintain business over which the foreign official has authority
All publicly traded companies must keep detailed records so that it is clear whether a violation of the act has occurred
Facilitating or expediting payments to secure the performance of routine government actions are permitted
Country Focus: Corruption in Nigeria
Summary
This feature describes the corruption that has characterized Nigeria’s economy over the last 40 years. When the country initially gained its independence from Britain in 1960, expectations were high that Nigeria would become an economic heavyweight in Africa. With abundant natural resources and a large population, it seemed the stage was set for success. However, despite earnings of more than $500 billion from oil sales during the period 1970 to 2007, the country still suffered from extreme poverty, illiteracy, and high debt. Several factors have been blamed for Nigeria’s troubles including political instability and corruption. Furthermore, in 2007, Transparency International ranked Nigeria one of the most corrupt countries in the world, and the Human Development Index ranked the country a dismal 159 out of 177.
Suggested Discussion Questions
1. What is meant by corruption? Explain how a corrupt political system affects the well being of a country.
Discussion Points: Corruption in Nigeria involved open and systematic plundering of the nation’s state treasury. Bribery was also a regular part of business. In fact, the situation in Nigeria is so dismal that Transparency International ranked Nigeria one of the most corrupt countries in the world. When a country experiences this sort of activity, returns on business investments are lower, and there is less incentive for inward foreign direct investment. Most students will recognize that this then negatively affects economic growth.
2. With its huge oil reserves and large population, Nigeria was expected to emerge as a major player in Africa. Yet today the country is extremely poor with little expectation for an economic turnaround any time in the near future. Explain how Nigeria came to be in such a sad state.
Discussion Points: Studies show that countries with high levels of corruption have lower inward foreign direct investment, lower levels of international trade, and poor levels of economic growth. Nigeria is a perfect example of this type of country. Political strife resulting from in-fighting between the country’s various tribes and ethnic groups led to instability and questionable legitimacy in the government. Military dictatorships were inept and corrupt. Because the country is viewed so poorly thanks to its level of corruption and political instability, investors are reluctant to bring in the kinds of funds that could help the economy grow.
3. Clearly, Nigeria’s corrupt government has been a major factor in the country’s demise. In contrast, other countries including Finland and Canada expressly prohibit corruption. In your opinion, would Nigeria be better off following the example of countries like Finland and Canada? Why or why not?
Discussion Points: Many students will probably suggest that even if Nigeria explicitly prohibits corrupt behavior, it is unlikely to have little effect on the real way of doing business in the country. In fact, they will probably point out that Nigeria’s current president, Olusegun Obasanjo, promised to put an end to corruption in the country, but so far has only succeeded in lowering it. Other students however, might see his efforts as a starting point, and view the future more optimistically.
Teaching Tip: The CIA’s World Factbook on Nigeria { provides a wealth of information on the country.
Teaching Tip: To learn more about Transparency International’s corruption ranking of Nigeria, and general perspective of the country go to {

25. The Protection of Intellectual Property
Intellectual property - property that is the product of intellectual activity
Intellectual property rights include:
Patents - give the inventor exclusive rights to the manufacture, use, or sale of that invention
Copyrights - exclusive legal rights of authors, composers, playwrights, artists, and publishers to publish and dispose of their work as they see fit
Trademarks - designs and names, often officially registered, by which merchants or manufacturers designate and differentiate their products
Internet Extra: National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center is the U.S government’s web page on intellectual property rights. The site is at {

26. Putting it into Practice
Are these products real or counterfeit?

27. The Protection of Intellectual Property
The protection of intellectual property rights differs greatly from country to country
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property - agreement signed by 170 countries to protect intellectual property rights
Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) - requires WTO members to grant and enforce patents lasting at least 20 years and copyrights lasting 50 years

28. Product Safety and Product Liability
Product safety laws set certain safety standards to which a product must adhere
Product liability involves holding a firm and its officers responsible when a product causes injury, death, or damage
Liability laws are usually least extensive in less developed countries
Firms must decide whether to adhere to the standards of the home country or the standards of the host country

29. Implications for Managers
Question: What are the implications of the political economy for international businesses?
Answer:
The political, economic, and legal systems of a country raise important ethical issues that have implications for the practice of international business
The political, economic, and legal environment of a country clearly influences the attractiveness of that country as a market and/or investment site

30. Putting it into Practice
Would you do business here?