Introduction
Multinational companies are large sized business companies operated in two or more than two countries. They bring foreign direct investment and help to generate employment opportunity in the host countries. Microsoft, Google, Coca Cola, Nestle etc. are some examples of multinational company.
Characteristics Of Multinational Companies
Some Of The Notable Characteristics Of Multinational Companies Can Be Highlighted As Follows:
1. Large size
Multinational companies are large-sized business organizations . They have huge resources in terms of capital, technology, people and information. They are highly efficient and complex.
2. Multi-country operations
This is another characteristic of multinational company. Multinational companies operate in several countries. They can have production, marketing and service type of operations. They cover large geographical areas. They have assets and activities in two or more countries.
3. Various objectives
Multinational companies pursue various objectives like:
- Access to new market opportunities to expand market size.
- Access to cheap raw materials to reduce costs and increase competitive capacity
- Access to cheap source of labor to reduce costs of labor and energy.
Multinational companies operate in various environments. The political, legal, economic, social, cultural and technological forces differ from country to country.
5. Centralized ownership and control
The ownership and control of multinational company is centralized in the home country. They provide share ownership to local people in host countries.
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6. Multiple currencies
Multinational companies deal in currencies of several countries. The risk is high because of changing values of currencies in host countries.
7. High efficiency
High efficiency is another important feature of multinational companies. Multinational companies are highly efficient due to:
High efficiency is another important feature of multinational companies. Multinational companies are highly efficient due to:
- Mass production leading to economic of scale
- Use of advanced technology to increase speed of production
- Professional management and marketing skills to use resources effectively.
8. Complex Structure
As we know that multinational companies operate in more than two countries, they cover large geographical area. Because of their size and large scale operations they have complex organizational structure.
9. Impact On Global Trade
Multinational companies have large sized structure and huge resources that can impact global economy and international trade.
Key Features Of Multinational Company In Short
* It has centralized management and decentralized operations
* It operates in two or more than two countries
* It has the ability to influence global economy
* It promotes innovation and creativity
* It follows aggressive marketing strategy
* It has complex structure than other forms of business organizations