Controlling MNCs (Edexcel A Level Business)
Revision Note
Written by: Jennifer Aryiku
Reviewed by: Steve Vorster
Factors to Consider When Managing MNCs
Both governments of LEDCs and MEDCs find it difficult to manage MNCs
MEDCs often benefit from the profits of MNCs and these firms carry significant political influence on government policy
LEDCs often have key decision makers (autocratic rulers) who receive payment for access to the country’s resources
It is important to control the activities of MNCs so as to enhance the benefits and reduce the disadvantages of what they offer
Factors to consider when controlling MNCs
Political Influence
Political institutions enforce laws and regulations which businesses need to adhere to
When MNCs establish themselves in a new country, they must work within the institutional framework of that country
MNCs in developed countries are often able to exert pressure on national governments through lobbying to create favourable conditions for their business
Another common issue occurs when politicians may occupy roles on the board of directors for an MNC after retiring in return for reducing political control on the MNC whilst they are in power
MNCs in developing countries can influence governments as they may establish deals which are beneficial to politicians
Bribes may be paid to secure lucrative contracts
Legal Control
Governments can enforce legislation and regulation to control the operations of MNCs
The European Union has the Competition Commission, which protects producers and consumers from anti-competitive or unfair practices
Google were fined 2.24 billion euros by the EU Competition Commission for abusing their market dominance in the search engine market
Governments want to attract MNCs to help boost their economy, so creating legal control in areas relating to taxes and employment ensures stability for the MNC
E.g. Prior to Brexit, MNCs were attracted by the stability of the UK economy and it offered them access to the full EU marketplace
Pressure Groups
Pressure groups are organisations that operate to influence company and public policy in the interest of a particular cause
Pressure groups can operate on a national or international scale
Save the Arctic campaigned for Lego not to sell their products at Shell petrol stations
Greenpeace campaigned for Kimberley Clark (the manufacturer of products such as Kleenex and Huggies) to dispose of their products in a sustainable way
Pressure groups can take action in different forms, such as:
Naming and shaming
Direct action
E.g. Protests, strikes and boycotting products
Lobbying by taking issues directly to the government
There are also pressure groups that work on behalf of MNCs, such as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
The CBI speaks and lobbies the government on behalf of member businesses
Social Media
Social media involves the interaction of people via electronic devices using social media platforms
MNCs can use social media to their advantage to spread awareness and promote their business on a global scale
However, social media also enables stakeholders to freely share information about the unethical behaviour of MNCs
MNCs are forced to address the issues raised on social media as there is a high level of public exposure and information can spread rapidly
MNC influence on social media may be limited in some countries as they have regulations in place to manage social media power
E.g. The Chinese and Russian governments closely monitor social media to regulate information being spread
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In Paper 1, when assessing the best way to control the actions of an MNC, you must consider the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods. When evaluating you should also consider the most effective method within the context of the business in the extract. How large is the business? How well established is it? What is the reputation of the MNC in other countries? etc.
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