Question to below Case:
If you find that economic prospects are better in Desertia, should you invest there? Or, does your company have an obligation to support the more democratic political regime of Mountania, even if it turns out that the returns to your firm will be lower? Be sure to include the ethical implications.
Case: NEW GENERATION INNOVATION, INC.
You are the financial vice-president of New Generation Innovation, Inc., a large manufacturer of consumer durables that is considering expanding into two developing countries. Mountainia and Desertia recently split off from the former Soviet Union and may provide opportunities for both manufacturing and sales for your company. While the two countries have similar backgrounds and current GDPs, they differ substantially in economic policies. Because of limited resources, your company can only expand into one country.
You would like to invest in a country that will be growing rapidly so that the citizens will be able to afford to buy your products. Your job is to assess the prospects for investing in the two countries.
In making your decisions, you have met with the Minister of Commerce for Desertia, Ms. Andrei, and the Minister for Development for Mountainia, Mr. Vlad. Your company has also sent a number of representatives to the two countries to gather data to help you make your decision.
Mountainia
Mountainia has had a democratic and populist tradition. This has resulted in the people enjoying substantial civil rights after independence, including free speech and popular elections. However, the government has an inefficient civil service and a mixed record of enforcing property rights. Investment in education and physical capital is low even though public spending and the federal deficit are high.
Desertia
Desertia is run by a generally peaceful one-party government. The government budget has been balanced, with taxes and tariffs at a level typical for a developing country. Government spending has focused on education with the goal of universal primary education. The legal system is well developed and has been effective in supporting property rights (although less effective for political rights). Corruption is low.
Unlike Mountainia, Desertia is more restrictive in terms of civil rights and democracy. There are no prospects for elections in the near future and a number of opposition leaders have been jailed. All television and radio is run by the government. Newspapers have a close relationship with the government and generally follow a pro-government line.