Global Marketing
Internationalization has accelerated the need for global marketing in organizations to balance the need for local responsiveness with the need for corporate coordination and consistency. An effective global marketing organization structure should enable the company to respond effectively to differences in international market environments while leveraging valuable corporate knowledge and resources. To achieve this balance, companies often adopt various structures, including regional or country-based units, product-based divisions, or matrix structures that combine functional and product-based structures. The choice of structure will depend on the specific needs and goals of the company, as well as the characteristics of the international market environments in which it operates.
However, the broad alternatives for global organization structure include a multidivisional Structure. This structure divides the company into multiple divisions or business units based on geography, product lines, or customer segments. Each division operates independently and has its marketing and sales efforts. The advantage of this structure is that it provides local autonomy and enables each division to respond to local market conditions. On the other hand, it can lead to duplication of efforts and competition between divisions, resulting in reduced efficiency and coordination. A Global Product Division Structure is another alternative similar to the multidivisional structure, focusing on products rather than geography. The company is divided into product-based divisions, each responsible for a specific product line. The advantage of this structure is that it enables the company to focus on product-specific marketing and sales efforts, leading to increased competitiveness and efficiency. On the other hand, it may not consider local market conditions and can lead to reduced responsiveness to local market needs.
Lastly, a Matrix Structure combines functional and product-based structures. Each organization member reports to two or more managers, one functional and one product-based. The advantage of this structure is that it enables the company to respond to both functional and product-based needs while providing a balance between autonomy and integration. However, it can lead to conflicting priorities and decision-making difficulties. However, balancing autonomy and integration in various global organization structures cannot be overstated. Autonomy allows for local responsiveness and adaptability, while integration ensures coordination and consistency across the company. Striking the right balance between the two can result in a more effective global marketing strategy and improved overall performance.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Consumers today are increasingly aware of and concerned about social and environmental issues, and they expect the companies they do business with to share these values. As a result, companies seen as socially conscious and committed to ethical and socially responsible practices can benefit from increased consumer trust, loyalty, and positive brand image. To be socially responsible, companies must address various issues, including human rights, labor standards, and environmental sustainability. This can involve adopting ethical sourcing practices, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting local communities.
There are several ways that global companies can demonstrate their commitment to CSR, including Environmental Stewardship. Companies can demonstrate their commitment to CSR by implementing environmentally sustainable practices, reducing their carbon footprint, and working to protect natural resources. For example, Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, is committed to using environmentally friendly materials and reducing waste in its manufacturing processes. The company has also pledged to donate 1% of its sales to environmental organizations working to protect the planet. Companies can also demonstrate their commitment to CSR by supporting local communities and investing in initiatives that improve people’s lives in their operating areas. For example, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of people in need through initiatives like their Children’s Safe Drinking Water program, which provides clean drinking water to communities in need.
Lastly, companies can demonstrate their commitment to CSR by adhering to high ethical standards in all aspects of their business, including their supply chain, marketing practices, and workplace culture. For example, Ben & Jerry’s, an ice cream company, strongly commits to using Fairtrade-certified ingredients and advocating for social and environmental justice. Notably, companies that are seen as socially responsible are often more attractive to consumers and employees and can benefit from increased loyalty and engagement.
References
Carroll, A. B. (2015). Corporate social responsibility. Organizational dynamics, 44(2), 87-96.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2015.02.002
Jha, A., & Cox, J. (2015). Corporate social responsibility and social capital. Journal of Banking & Finance, 60, 252-270.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2015.08.003
Lee, J. Y., Kozlenkova, I. V., & Palmatier, R. W. (2015). Structural marketing: Using organizational structure to achieve marketing objectives. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43, 73-99.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-014-0402-9
Snow, C. C. (2015). Organizing in the age of competition, cooperation, and collaboration. Journal of leadership & organizational studies, 22(4), 433-442. https://doi.org/10.1177/1548051815585852
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