INT 220 Module One: Domestic vs. International Business, Benefits of Global Expansion and Ethics (Example)

INT 220 Module One Assignment: Globalization and global expansion

Write a paper for a virtual, professional audience (such as a blog or LinkedIn article) that defines key terms, explains fundamental concepts and shares relevant examples of why domestic businesses should consider expansion into global markets. Include a brief introduction, a body supported with evidence and a conclusion with key takeaways. Address:

• Types of business environments: differentiate domestic and international business environments with definitions and key characteristics.
• Example organizations: three domestic and three international organizations, explaining how each meets the criteria.
• Benefits of expansion: key benefits of international and global expansion, with examples.
• Ethical considerations: the role of ethics in expansion decisions and how ethical decision-making frameworks can help.

Submit a 350- to 500-word Word document in APA format. If you use generative AI tools, follow and acknowledge the AI usage guidelines.

Original example for study purposes. Add your course module resources as citations.

Going Global: Why Domestic Businesses Should Consider International Markets

Many successful businesses eventually ask whether they should grow beyond their home country. This post explains the difference between domestic and international business environments, highlights real examples, outlines the benefits of global expansion and explains why ethics should guide the decision.

Domestic versus international environments. A domestic business environment includes the conditions within one country: a single currency, legal system, tax code, language and culture. Competitors and customers are familiar, and risks are easier to predict. An international business environment spans multiple countries, so firms must manage exchange rates, trade policies and tariffs, different regulations, political risk and cultural differences in consumer preferences and management practices. Globalization, the growing integration of economies through trade, investment, technology and the flow of people and ideas, makes these environments increasingly connected.

Examples. Three domestic companies are Publix Super Markets, which operates grocery stores only in the southeastern United States; Wawa, a convenience store chain on the U.S. East Coast; and In-N-Out Burger, which keeps its restaurants in a limited number of U.S. states to control quality. Each sells within one country and is shaped mainly by U.S. laws and consumers. Three international companies are Coca-Cola, which sells its beverages in more than 200 countries and territories; McDonald’s, with restaurants in more than 100 countries that adapt menus to local tastes; and Toyota, a Japanese automaker that designs, manufactures and sells vehicles worldwide. These firms manage multiple currencies, regulations and cultures.

Benefits of expansion. About 95% of the world’s consumers live outside the United States, so expansion opens access to much larger markets and new revenue. Global firms can achieve economies of scale, lowering costs as production grows; diversify risk so that a slowdown in one country is offset by growth elsewhere; access talent, resources and innovation abroad; and extend the life of mature products. For example, McDonald’s earns a large share of its revenue outside the United States, reducing its dependence on one market.

Ethical considerations. Expansion decisions affect workers, communities and the environment in new markets. Companies face ethical questions about labor standards in supply chains, bribery and corruption, environmental impacts, data privacy and respect for local cultures. Ethical decision-making frameworks help leaders evaluate these choices. The utilitarian approach weighs benefits and harms to all stakeholders; the rights approach asks whether a decision respects human rights, such as safe working conditions; and the justice approach considers whether benefits and burdens are distributed fairly. Legal standards such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and international guidelines such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide additional direction.

Key takeaways. Domestic and international environments differ in complexity, risk and opportunity. Global expansion can bring growth, efficiency and resilience, but success depends on understanding local conditions and making decisions guided by clear ethical principles.

References

[Add your INT 220 module resources and any company or government sources you cite, such as company annual reports and the U.S. International Trade Administration, in APA format.]