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Globalisation and Its Impact on Multinational Corporations
Introduction
Globalisation is one of the most influential forces shaping modern business and society. It connects countries through trade, investment, technology, culture, and ideas, transforming how companies operate across borders. By the last quarter of 2019, globalisation had already created vast opportunities for multinational corporations (MNCs), but it also introduced new risks through political, economic, and environmental challenges.
Defining and Explaining Globalisation
Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnection and interdependence of the world’s economies, societies, and cultures through international trade, finance, communication, and transportation. It allows goods, services, information, and people to move more freely across national boundaries.
For businesses, globalisation means access to new markets, cheaper resources, and international partnerships. MNCs like Apple, Unilever, and Toyota operate in dozens of countries, sourcing materials from one region, manufacturing in another, and selling products globally. This interconnected system drives efficiency and innovation but also exposes firms to external risks, such as trade wars, currency fluctuations, and political instability.
Technological advances, especially in communication and logistics, have accelerated this process. The rise of digital platforms, global supply chains, and instant communication networks has made it easier for companies to coordinate operations worldwide. However, these same systems also make businesses vulnerable to disruptions that spread quickly across regions.
Global Issues Affecting MNCs in the Last Quarter of 2019
The US-China Trade War
One of the most significant global issues in late 2019 was the ongoing trade conflict between the United States and China. The two largest economies imposed tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of each other’s goods, creating uncertainty in global markets. For MNCs, this meant disrupted supply chains, increased production costs, and unpredictable trade policies.
For example, companies like Apple, which relied heavily on Chinese manufacturing, faced pressure to shift parts of their supply chain to other countries such as Vietnam or India. Similarly, automobile manufacturers and technology firms had to absorb higher costs or pass them on to consumers. This conflict demonstrated how geopolitical tensions can quickly reshape global business strategies.
Brexit and European Economic Uncertainty
In the final quarter of 2019, Brexit dominated European markets. The UK’s planned exit from the European Union created instability for MNCs operating in or trading with Britain. Businesses faced uncertainty about tariffs, labour mobility, and regulatory standards.
Many firms prepared contingency plans, moving offices or production facilities to EU member states to maintain access to the single market. For example, banking giants such as HSBC and Barclays relocated parts of their operations to Dublin and Paris. This period highlighted how political decisions in one region can have wide-reaching operational and financial effects on multinational enterprises.
Climate Change and Sustainability Pressure
By late 2019, environmental awareness had become a central global issue. International movements, such as the climate strikes inspired by Greta Thunberg, pressured governments and corporations to adopt sustainable practices. MNCs faced growing scrutiny over carbon emissions, waste management, and ethical sourcing.
This environmental shift affected industries from energy to fashion. Companies like BP and Shell faced criticism over fossil fuel dependency, while firms like H&M and Nike were urged to make supply chains more transparent and eco-friendly. Investors also began prioritising Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, forcing corporations to rethink their long-term sustainability strategies.
