Marketing Comparison

Marketing Comparison: International and Domestic

Australia and the United States

As defined by the American Marketing Association, "Marketing is an organizational function and a set of processes for creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders" (AMA, 2004). The definition is applied to any product, business firm...in any targeted country.

Marketing is the core of any business venture. Two basic functions are derived from marketing: 1) to retain and sustain present customer base, and 2) to develop new and/or improved customer relations. Focusing on these two aspects is the essence of marketing. The plan for why, whom, how, and when...surrounding the product, service, or idea... all develop and stem from marketing ideas and concepts. Marketing is a process, a plan developed to identify, foresee, and satisfy customer needs and desires...no matter the product or service, the business, or the country. Whether the market is a domestic or international venue, marketing activities are essentially the same; however, must be tailored to the unique attributes of the product and the country of target.

Cultural Influences

Understanding the principles of culture as well as the individual cultural diversity and similarities of target locations allows marketers to recognize that one standardized strategy can never reach an entire global market. Marketers must recognize cultural differences and similarities within objectives, strategies, and in communicating with international markets, as there are different values, attitudes and buying behaviors.

Australia is an open-minded and comprehensive society, a nation built by people from many different backgrounds. Vietnam, China, Greece, and the United Kingdom are among the top 10 countries that Australians have migrated. Much like the United States, Australia is a mosaic of many nationalities. Cultural diversity has become a touchstone of Australia's national identity. Cultural diversity in Australia is attributed to 90% of the population lives in urban areas, resulting in exposure to many different forms of thinking, acceptance, and educational opportunities. Comparatively, 80% of Americans live in metropolitan areas (United States of America, 2007).

Australians tend to be proud of their heritage as they view themselves as a nation that convicts and working people built into a wealthy, educated, and democratic society in a callous and harsh land (Commonwealth of Australia, 2007). This resonance will not accept antagonistic, flamboyant, or arrogant behavior...socially or in business environments. Most Americans are patriotic and consider their country a guardian of democracy and freedom (United States of America, 2007). Americans have a tendency to be forthright and blunt and appreciate candid associates. Australians are sociable and affable and hold life's enjoyments as a paramount attribute. This prevailing optimism also attributes living in an instant gratification society (Patterson, 2007). They enjoy spacious homes, elaborate vacations, stylish cars, the arts, and movies. Americans also enjoy socializing, and enjoy it often; in small or large groups (United States of America, 2007). Most activities are centered on eating, special occasions, recreation, in general, spending time with family and friends.

Religion generally does not play an important role in daily life, mostly reserved for holidays and special occasions (Commonwealth of Australia, 2007). Statistically, 76% are Christians (Anglican, Roman Catholic, and the Uniting Church), with the remaining 24% as religions from immigrant religions, such as Islam and Buddhism. The average family consists of 2 to 3 children, with larger families conducive to immigrant groups. The United States was founded on the freedom from religious persecution; therefore, historically religion has ties to the formation of the American government. Roughly, 80% of Americans are of the Christian faith and regard religion as a personal matter (United States of America, 2007).

English is the national and prevailing language; however, Australian English is unique as the language contains numerous colloquialisms and idioms. Examples taken from Commonwealth of Australia (2007): Spot on means "Right on". A prang is a "fender bender". If someone is unwell, he or she is crook. English is also the national and prevailing language in American; however, English is referred to as American English...also, full of unique idioms (United States of America, 2007). Cultural influences are the most difficult and essential modifications confronting international marketers. Marketers are confronted with different attitudes, lifestyles, beliefs, languages...all of which will affect the implementation of the marketing mix. Political Influences

Imperative to every marketer's evaluation of an international market is an appreciation for the political environment of the country within which a business plans to operate (Cateora & Graham, 2007). Government involvement in business activities abroad is generally much greater than business is accustomed to domestically. Marketers must continually monitor political activities as business activities that were once perceived desirable, may become less desirable during times of political change and instability.

Australia is a federal parliamentary state consisting of six federated states that possess power of all matters, except those reserved to the Commonwealth of Australia in the constitution. This political configuration was developed in Australia's humble beginnings and continues to represent a strong and stable government. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II and is represented by an Australian governor-general. The prime minister is head of the government (Commonwealth of Australia, 2007). Three political parties dominate the Australian political structure...the Liberal Party (LP), the National Party (NP), and the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Political partiality is present in each party, as the LP tends to represent urban business-related groups, the NP is partial to rural interests, and the ALP presumably corresponds with the trade unions and liberal groups.

The US government is structured with an executive president at the helm. The US Congress consists of a 435-member House of Representatives, and a 100-member Senate. The country has a strong federal structure, and devolves its legal and fiscal system to a considerable extent. The United States also has 3 major parties; Republicans, Democrats, and Independent.

There is strong bipartisan sentiment on several international issues, including Australia's commitment