Environmental Factors Paper: a Study of Mcdonald's Corporation

Environmental Factors Paper: A Study of McDonald's Corporation Environmental factors have wide-reaching effects across a company's global marketing platform. Many areas, such as economic or social aspects, can be sensitive and must be addressed appropriately for marketing success. McDonald's Corporation is a global company that faces these challenges and issues, some of which will be addressed in this paper. Additionally, the importance of technology and how it impacts McDonald's marketing decisions will be explained. Finally, the importance of social responsibility and ethics will be addressed as it pertains to McDonald's.
Domestic and Global Environmental Factors
Demographic environment The world's age is changing. In some areas, mostly in developed countries such as the United States, Japan and many in Western Europe, the median age of the population is growing older, due to slowing birth rates and longer life expectancy. In the newer, emerging countries, such as those in Asia or Africa, the median age is getting younger mostly due to higher birth rates. These different trends require different marketing approaches. McDonald's caters to both segments of the population, domestically and globally by targeting each segment individually. It is not unusual to see television commercials showcasing older generations enjoying a McDonald's meal. A viewer is just as likely to see another commercial aimed at the younger generation, characterized by progressive music or urban attractions. In McDonald's stores, customers will see "Happy Meals" complete with an advertisement for the latest Hollywood action movie as well as coffee offered to senior citizens for 49 cents. In September 2006, McDonald's Japan, faced with operating in a country with the fastest aging population and the highest percentage of senior citizens in the world (Statistical Handbook of Japan, 2005), has abolished its forced retirement policy. While the move follows legislation passed by the

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