Transnational Corporations and the Interests of the Country.

Transnational Corporations and the Interests of the County

How compatible are the interests of transnational corporations with the interest of the country?

You have now completed the lessons for Module 4 Section 3. Complete the section challenge activity to demonstrate the new understandings you have developed about the opportunities and challenges of contemporary economic globalization.

In this section challenge you will evaluate the compatibility of transnational corporations with the interests of the country to meet the needs of its citizens.

Step 1: My Understandings of Transnational Corporations


Think about the concept of transnational corporations. What relationships exist between transnational corporations and the countries in which they operate? Why would countries encourage their operations within their borders? What threats could these corporations pose to the countries in which they operate?

Step 2: My list of Opportunities and Challenges Posed by Transnational Corporations

Brainstorm the kinds of benefits and potential challenges presented by transnational corporations.

Step 3: Developing a Set of Basic Priorities

Create a set of basic priorities that countries should apply to meeting the needs of its citizens. Use the following criteria to establish the priorities:

  • prosperity of the people
  • equality of treatment and opportunity
  • territorial security
  • cultural and social vitality
  • environmental health
  • influence on the world stage

What specific priorities will meet these criteria?

Some countries integrate their priorities into their constitution.

For example, the Constitution of Poland, adopted in 1997, offers the following principles:

The Republic of Poland shall safeguard the independence of and integrity of its territory and ensure the freedoms and rights of persons and citizens, the security of the citizens, safeguard the national heritage and shall ensure the protection of the natural environment pursuant to the principles of sustainable development.

Step 4: Researching a Transnational Corporation

Research the actions and policies of a transnational corporation. You may select a transnational corporation suggested by your teacher or one from the following suggestions:

  • Alcan
  • Bombardier
  • Chevron
  • Continental
  • Disney
  • Exxon
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Google
  • Honda
  • HP (Fortune Magazine)
  • McDonald’s
  • Microsoft
  • Nike
  • Pepsi
  • PG
  • Saab
  • SC Johnson
  • Starbucks
  • Suncor
  • Swiss Re
  • Tesco
  • Tim Horton’s
  • Wal-Mart

Multinational Monitor lists the best and worst multinationals. A search of “multinational corporation” in Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia provides links to informative websites describing the history and operations of over forty transnational corporations. (See References.)

Assignment

Please complete the Challenge: Transnational Corporations and the Interests of the Country assignment at this point.