Final answer:
Corporations like Marriott or Hilton should make purchasing decisions based on the need for local authenticity, national brand consistency, regional manufacturing efficiencies, and global standardization of certain products and systems. These decisions often reflect the balance between supporting local economies and achieving cost and operational efficiencies. The influence of MNCs on politics, workers, and the economy is profound but not without concerns regarding worker rights and cultural impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering corporations like Marriott or Hilton that have a global presence, the type of purchases that should be local, national, regional, or global depends on various factors. For instance, perishable goods such as food items should be purchased locally to ensure freshness and to support the local economy. Moreover, local artwork and decor can add to the uniqueness of each hotel, appealing to travelers seeking authentic experiences. National purchases might include certain employee uniforms that require brand consistency across the country. On a regional level, electronics or furniture could be sourced to take advantage of regional manufacturing strengths and efficiencies, also reducing shipping costs and times. Globally, certain standards like hotel management software and luxury amenities could be standardized for brand coherence and operational efficiency.
The decision-making process mirrors the considerations of customers choosing where to shop or eat, be it global brands like Walmart or Starbucks, or local businesses. Factors influencing these decisions include the uniqueness of the product, cost efficiency, supporting the local economy, and the quality of goods. In the context of multinational corporations (MNCs), while they can bring benefits such as higher wages and infrastructure investment to developing countries, they can also face criticism for low wages and cultural homogenization.
MNCs also have substantial influence on global politics, workers, and the economy as they often provide jobs and invest in local infrastructure, leading to improved standards of living. However, they may also bring negative consequences, such as unsafe working conditions and cultural displacement. As globalization progresses, there is a need for balance to ensure that the positive effects of multinationals do not come at an unsustainable cost to local communities and environments.