Global Business

Essay 1 – CAGE Framework

In the text Redefining Global Strategy, Pankaj Ghemawat discusses a method of indentifying the various differences that can exist between two countries, and that must be addressed when considering cross-border operations. This method is called the CAGE Framework. CAGE is an acronym used to describe the cultural, administrative, geographic, and economic distances that can exist between multiple countries. While methods of measuring physical and psychic distance have been already been incorporated over the last three decades, “… the CAGE framework takes a much broader view of distance, and has a much more solid empirical base.” (Ghemawat, 41) By exploring these four dimensions, a company can better plan their strategy when considering international expansion.

A study and comparison of the cultural distance between two countries may reveal barriers that had not yet been considered. As stated by Ghemawat, “Cultural differences between countries generally tend to reduce economic interactions between them.” (42) Cultural constituents such as language, ethnicity, religion, willingness to trust, and social and family norms/values all must be considered when measuring the cultural distance between two borders. Nations that share similar qualities and opinions concerning the above constituents tend to be more likely to institute cross border operations successfully. The more contact established between these countries, the more mutual familiarity and rapport exists between them, increasing the likelihood of successful economic activity. Nations with different, or even conflicting, viewpoints (and little to no contact) are less likely to establish these relationships.

Next in the framework is the measureme...

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...oup will attempt to improve the work environment, community, and lives of those around them on a much greater scale. They set the new standard for acceptable working conditions and demand change where they see necessary. If they are larger corporations, they are more willing to “throw their weight around” to use their influence for the greater good.

Works Cited

Ghemawat, P. . Redefining global strategy, crossing borders in a world where differences still matter. Harvard Business Press, 2007. print.

Ghemawat, P. n. page. .

Ghemawat, P. . Redefining global strategy, crossing borders in a world where differences still matter. Harvard Business Press, 2007. print.

Ghemawat, P. n.d. n. page. .