Companies and business activities have gone through an immense amount
of change since the beginning of the 21st century. Acceleration of financial
and commercial processes in the international market has created several
opportunities for businesses to extend their operations beyond their origin
countries and national borders. The latest corporate studies have distinguished
3 general levels of international activities, namely domestic, international,
and multinational.
Before getting in headfirst, remember that every business experiences
the effects of foreign markets and competition in the global economy. Because
of this, some businesses are taking measures to exploit not only the domestic
markets but also the rest of the world. The first step in deciding whether or
not to adopt a global perspective and understanding the different levels of
business activity.
Here are the 3 basic levels of international business one should know
before deciding to expand their horizon.
- Domestic Business Operations
A domestic business conducts all company
operations, from acquiring raw material to selling and marketing products or
services, within its country of origin. Many small businesses, such as
restaurants, bookstores, and convenience stores are domestic businesses. These
companies are free to conduct business in the origin country's market, where
they may compete with other small, medium, and large domestic companies, as
well as international and multinational companies.
- International Business Operations & Operations Management Course
International companies operate primarily in a
single country buy have some point of exposure to the foreign markets as well.
In other words, these companies conduct their primary business operations
within its native country, however, imports some products or raw material from
other countries, or exports some of its products and services to foreign
markets.
- Multinational & Transnational Business Operations
A multinational business typically has its
headquarters in its native country, however, it operates worldwide through
several subsidiaries. It buys resources and raw material, manufactures and
sells its products, and borrows money from foreign markets and invest in these
markets to earn a considerable profit.
Whereas, transnational companies are the largest form of multinational businesses with separate divisions that operate
with a significant amount of independence in their respective markets. These
companies maintain large independent divisions, employ senior executives from a
variety of countries, and often make decisions from a global perspective that
is not controlled by its national headquarters. In other words, these
subsidiaries or branches are given complete freedom to operate on the basis of
individual market study and act accordingly and independently of their
headquarters.
Summing Up
As international commerce has grown to be more diversified and
complicated, most economists have devised the aforementioned classifications to
describe corporations among different levels of international business activities.
To get in-depth knowledge on the subject, you might need the guidance of a strategic international business course.
These courses help you understand the complexities to operate outside national
borders and whether it is suitable for your type of business. If you have a strategic international business
certification, you can face the challenges of the vulnerable and dynamic
environment of international business. So, it advised that you take up a strategic international business course
or do a deep study and research on the topic before you decide to move your
business across borders.