The document discusses a study on global brands and their impact on consumers worldwide. It finds that consumers primarily consider a brand's quality, the myths and ideals it represents, and its social responsibility. Quality is the most important factor for 44% of consumers. Global myths appeal to 12% as brands make people feel part of something bigger. Social responsibility is most important to 8% as brands have power to address social issues. There are four main types of global consumers: Global Citizens (55%) who prioritize responsibility; Global Dreamers (23%) devoted to brands; Anti-Globals (13%) skeptical of influence; and Global Agnostics (8%) who judge brands equally. Global brands must think globally, manage perceptions, build credible myths

1. HOW GLOBAL BRANDS COMPETE

2. In 2004 Douglas B. Holt, John A. Quelch and
Earl L. Taylor evaluate the current worldview
of global brands and their overall effect on
various countries. They conducted an
extensive study into transnational brands
versus non-global brands and their impact on
the consumers of the world.

3. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY
• Consumers worldwide are in awe of the
political power of certain global entities and
their overall impact on
societies, communities, nations and the planet
as a whole.
• There are three main characteristics that
consumers look at when considering a global
brand. These are the factors that reign
supreme in the overall perception of global
consumer brands.

4. 1. Quality signal plays a critical role in the
credibility of a global band. Approximately
44% of consumers rely solely on this
principle. Reasonable prices, new
products, consistent guarantees and dynamic
nature are a few of the factors that
consumers cited when referring to overall
quality of a product.

5. 2. Global myth addresses various symbols of
cultural ideals. Approximately 12% of global
consumers rely on this as a means of brand
preference. They use brands to create a sort of
imagined global identity that they can share
with like-minded individuals across the world.
Global brands tend to make people feel as if
they are a part of something bigger, they show
the future of consumer products and they are a
symbol of luxury and convenience.

6. 3. Social responsibility, especially these days, is the
most important characteristic that people
perceive in global businesses. Only 8% of people
use this as a deciding factor in their brand
choices. Global brands wield extraordinary
influence on society’s well-being. People
generally expect these companies to use their
vast influence for the greater good. People have
been convinced that these companies should use
their influence to tackle pressing social issues and
global epidemics.

7. • Aside from these deciding principals in the use
of global products, consumers from other
countries have been concerned with the ideals
of Americans ever since the war in Iraq began.
• Anti -American sentiments are on the
rise, leading to a drop in the use of U.S.
products.

8. Overall, global consumer segments
consist of four main types of
consumers
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Global citizens
Global dreamers
Anti-globals
Global agnostics.

9. GLOBAL CITIZENS
Global Citizens comprise 55% of the
population and solely rely on whether
companies behave responsibly on pressing
issues such as consumer
health, environmental concerns and
workers rights.

10. GLOBAL DREAMERS
Global dreamers are the second largest
segment at 23% of the world’s population.
These consumers are less discerning about
transnational companies. This facet of the
population is more likely to believe global
myths and remains devoted to their use of
certain products.

11. ANTI-GLOBALS
Anti-globals make up approximately 13% of
the world’s population. This segment of the
population is highly sceptical of transnational
products and their wide influence. They
mostly avoid contact with transnational firms
and their brands.

12. GLOBAL AGNOSTICS
Global Agnostics are the least influential
group of consumers when it comes to global
brands. Comprising about 8% of the
population, this group evaluates a global
product by the same criteria they use to judge
local brands.

13. There are five main goals that global brands
should have when considering new
opportunities and new responsibilities. These
are;
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Thinking globally
Managing the dark side
Building credible myths
Treating anti-globals as customers
Turning social responsibility into
entrepreneurship.

14. Thinking globally is essential for major
corporations because their products are
ultimately symbols of what consumers
perceive them to be. Firms must learn to
participate in a polarized conversation about
global brands and influence it.

15. Managing the dark side of companies is
difficult, but essential. Managing perceptions
of global brands is an integral part of keeping
the company successful. Advertising
approaches are paramount in maintaining a
positive image.

16. Building credible myths is also a gateway to
success for large brands. Firms must create
appropriate myths highlighting things such as
personal empowerment, consumer focused
campaigns and philosophical dialogue with
consumers. This ultimately earns credibility
with your market demographic.

17. Treating anti- globals as customers is equally
important. Although this facet of the
population typically strays from larger
firms, they represent one in ten people in the
world. Companies must earn the trust of this
segment by focusing on them as disgruntled
consumers and making every advance to
perfect their products for this demographic.

18. Turning social responsibility into
entrepreneurship is a key factor, especially
since social responsibility has become an
integral part of society’s allegiance to certain
firms. Most companies have launched
successful social responsibility campaigns
including philanthropic efforts and
environmental initiatives. People tend to buy
products that are socially responsible or fund
a good cause.