Final answer:
McDonald's designs in France are an example of cultural adaptation, adjusting to local culture while being part of McDonald's global presence. The brand's worldwide spread is tied to globalization and may lead to standardization, which contrasts with the need for local relevance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fact that McDonald's restaurants in France do not look like McDonald's elsewhere is an example of cultural adaptation. This practice allows McDonald's to cater to the specific tastes and norms of different cultures around the globe and to integrate into local markets by respecting regional differences. On the other hand, the widespread presence of McDonald's across many countries is itself a sign of globalization, demonstrating how a single brand can gain international recognition and influence.
While cultural adaptation is a process of adjustment, globalization often leads to the spread of similar goods and services worldwide, which some might describe as the McDonaldization of society—one where efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control define business models. However, McDonaldization also implies a degree of standardization, or making things uniform, which can make diverse local goods and services more generic. This creates a tension between the forces of globalization and the need for businesses to remain locally relevant through cultural adaptation or localization.