TNCs

Question 1

Define TNC

Answer 1

A transnational company (TNC) only has operations in two or more countries.

Question 2

Define MNC

Answer 2

A multinational corporation (MNC) is different to TNCs as it has operations in a large number of countries.

Question 3

What are TNCs major contributions to?

Answer 3

TNCs are major contributors to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - plants, equipment and property, which is owned

Question 4

What type of sectors are TNC products produced in? (And examples of TNCs in each sector)

Answer 4

• Primary sector
  E.g. Oil companies such as Shell and BP
• Secondary sector
  E.g. Car companies such as Ford and Fiat
  Electronics manufacturers such as LG
  Food manufacturers such as Coca Cola
• Service sector
  E.g. Retailers such as Tescos and McDonalds

Question 5

What is meant by the spatial organisation of TNCs?

Answer 5

It means that TNCs are usually organised in a particular way ‘in space’, in other words there is a pattern to how TNCs organise their operations

Question 6

What is the pattern to how TNCs organise their operations? (the ‘spatial organisation’ of a trans-national company)

Answer 6

Headquarters and R&D (Research and Development) facilities are often located in the ‘country of origin’ which will usually be an MEDC.

Manufacturing plants (where the products are made) are usually located in ‘host countries’ which will often be an LEDC.

Question 7

What is meant by horizontal and vertical integration (linkages) within a trans-national company?

Answer 7

It means that TNCs must have strong links between all parts of the organisation to be able to operate efficiently.

Question 8

What are the two types of integration (linkages) within a trans-national company?

Answer 8

1. Horizontal integration (means that a TNC extends its operations into similar areas in the same stage of production)
2. Vertical integration (means that a TNC owns the entire supply chain from raw material to finished product)

Question 9

Example of Horizontal Integration

Answer 9

In 2010, Kraft Foods acquired Cadburys through a takeover. Both companies operated in the grocery and confectionary market. Kraft was able to create a more diverse base. The process was repeated in 2015 through the merger of Kraft and Heinz.

Question 10

Example of Vertical Integration

Answer 10

BP is directly involved in the exploration, extraction, transport, refining and retailing of oil. In this way BP controls all aspects of the business. However, some argue that this is an outdated concept and that TNCs now outsource to reduce costs.

Question 11

What are the reasons for growth of TNCs? (Why do trans-nationals choose to locate in other countries?)

Answer 11

• Lower production costs, particularly in LEDCs. Transnational operation allows companies to move production around to their advantage, by closing unprofitable branch plants.
• Getting around trade barriers, and so avoiding tariffs and quotas. For example, a Japanese car manufacturer operating a plant within the EU.
• Tapping market potential in other world regions. Many LEDC countries are developing rapidly and are potentially lucrative markets (Africa)
• Avoidance of strict environmental regulations which can add to costs for TNCs.
• Tax incentives – some governments encourage TNCs by providing tax breaks
• Cheaper land – in areas which have undergone deindustrialisation (HICs) or in parts of the world where land costs are naturally lower (LICs)

Question 12

What are the disadvantages that TNCs bring to the countries from which they re-locate their branches?

Answer 12

The negative multiplier effect which can contribute to the process of de-industrialisation which means….

• The TNC decides to re-locate and the branch is closed down with the loss of direct jobs.
• Indirect jobs in supply and maintenance fields are also lost (often twice as many).
• Tax revenues fall as more people are unemployed and consequently not paying tax.

Question 13

What are the benefits and problems to the countries in which TNCs locate their branches, in terms of employment?

Answer 13

•New jobs are brought to an area when a factory or warehouse or call centre or restaurant or shop opens

However………….
•These are often low skilled jobs, with low wages. TNCs are aiming to make use of comparative advantage. Job security is also limited as TNCs may choose to re-locate if the situation changes. In short workers can be exploited.

Question 14

What are the benefits and problems to the countries in which TNCs locate their branches, in terms of the positive multiplier effect?

Answer 14

• Multi-nationals will need to provide support for any new branch established. This can generate additional wealth and employment in suppliers, transport and maintenance companies. Wages earned can be spent locally generating further income and taxes for local government. This is called cumulative causation.

However…..
•If the TNC decides to re-locate the negative multiplier effect may take place

Question 15

What are the benefits and problems to the countries in which TNCs locate their branches, in terms of infrastructure?

Answer 15

In areas which are under developed in LEDCs a multi-national sometimes builds road links to transport the products to markets or accommodation/services for the workforce

However….
•Roads may only be a single route to the coast and accommodation may be limited to single person dormitories. Host countries may have to fund part of these improvements themselves as part of the deal to bring the TNCs in the first place.

Question 16

What are the benefits and problems to the countries in which TNCs locate their branches, in terms of products?

Answer 16

The products or services provided by the multi-national will be sold in the country in which the new branch is built. Local people can buy these products or use these services.

However….
•These may be beyond the budget of local people. They may even compete with locally produced products leading to the decline of local business. This is particularly the case with food and drink manufacturers. Local cultures may be threatened.

Question 17

What are the benefits and problems to the countries in which TNCs locate their branches, in terms of taxes?

Answer 17

Multi-nationals will have to pay some taxes to the country in which they establish their branches. Also as workers are paid then they will also pay taxes. These can be used by the government to make improvements.

However…..
•Tax rates are generally low, which is likely to be one reason that the TNC chose this location in the first place. Low taxes could be part of the package of incentives used to attract the TNC. Taxes may be misspent by corrupt governments

Question 18

What are the benefits and problems to the countries in which TNCs locate their branches, in terms of skills?

Answer 18

A multi-national company is likely to train its staff to be able to complete tasks well. This means that workers develop new skills. New ways of working are also introduced such as JIT.

However…..
•The skills used may be basic and involve working on a production line. They may not be transferable to other work if the TNC re-locates in the future. Opportunities for promotion to management positions could be limited.

Question 19

What are the benefits and problems to the countries in which TNCs locate their branches, in terms of the environment?

Answer 19

A multi-national company will have access to the latest technology to monitor and reduce impacts upon the local environment.

However…..
•The amount of noise, air, light, visual and water pollution are all likely to increase with the construction of a large assembly plant. Wildlife habitats may be lost and bio-diversity reduced. Environmental regulations may be less strict as economic development is given priority.