Globalization

Globalization, in not so many words, is the process of extending networks and connections to different culture and people all over the globe. The global music market is an example. This process is supported through such technological innovations as the internet which allows people from all over the world to communicate and exchange information. A good portion of the globe, however, is still excluded, which explains why globalization is a /process/ of expanding these connections.

Globalization can be closely attributed to the concept of gLOCALization. This concept explains the notion that a product is more likely to succeed globally if it can be adapted to specific locales and cultures. If, for example, a television show can be adapted to different cultures across the globe rather than just being offered in one country like the UK or the US, then that franchise will be much more likely to succeed globally. 

To expand on this point, I'll use the McDonalds chain as an example. McDonalds is an enormously successful global restaurant chain. Why is that? Well, we can certainly gain some insight from looking at how McDonalds restaurants around the world are different when they are adapted to different cultures. 

Here are some examples:

- In India, beef and pork are not served at McDonalds to in accordance with religious ordinances, but rather, the  "McCurry pan" is largely popular. 

- In Israel and Argentina, McDonalds serves Kosher burgers. 

- In Japan, McDonalds serves shrimp nuggets, in addition to chicken nuggets.

- In France, McDonalds serves a dish called the "Croque McDo" which is similar to the French "croque monsieur", a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

The list goes on and on, but certainly we can see that the glocalization of the McDonalds chain can be attributed to its global success.


Here are a few international McDonalds commcercials:
Egypt
Japan
Korea
France