Convergence and Divergence discussion:

1. Mention some positive and negative outputs of an homogenization of international business management strategies (Convergence) and of the differentiation (Divergence school).

Convergence:

Positive:

- Common values generate development processes easier for the organization.

- Building of networks to make "integration processes" less complex.

- Cost advantages/Flexibility.

- Reducing barriers (Economic or Governmental)

Negative: 

-  Conflicts about wages and costs (low cost labor)

- Not diversity in processes, not taking into account different scenarios and situations.

Divergence:

Positive:

- Gain some advantages from the differentiated position.

- Creation of different management styles. Diversity.

Negative:

- Resistant in some extent to change.

- Complex relationships due to diversity in management styles.

2. Name at least 3 corporations who have converged their management strategies when reaching foreign markets:

-Unilever

-Falabella

-Nestlé

3. Name at least 3 corporations (business) who have differentiated their strategies when reaching foreign markets:

- Carrefour

- Telefónica

- Johnson & Johnson

4. Do you think we have similar business structures like Chaebol or Keiretsu? Describe one Colombian business structure.

Yes, for example we have Leonisa. It is a business structure where they produce underwear for women and men. It was created in 1956 and nowadays it belongs to the family of its founders: Joaquín Urrea Urrea and Julio Urrea. It has built up its image with the idea of being a Colombian company with high quality and interest on innovation and exploring new markets. Leonisa has expanded its operations and now it has presence in:

Aruba, Bonaire, Curazao, Bolivia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Canada, USA, Russia, Guatemala, Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Peru, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Uruguay.

It is similar to Chaebol business structure since it has belonged to one family through the years and according to some sort of tradition, and I think that is one important characteristic of business units in Colombia: they have been marked by the idea of families holding them and creating them in order to develop and get what they need in order to fulfill needs in families.