McDonaldization of America
Article Review- Week 2
In 1955, after hard negotiations, Ray Kroc saw his ideas and aspirations of franchising McDonald’s come to life; since then the corporation has franchised all over the world. Kroc constructed a business model that produced a phenomenon called McDonaldization, which has translated beyond the fast-food world to other consumer companies that we frequent, everyday. McDonald’s has influenced not only the American society but also outside its borders to affect multiple cultures around the world on a micro and macro level. This essay will summarize the central dimensions and ideas of McDonaldization, its effects on our day-to-day lives, and its threat to cultural diversity, our values, and our futures. Throughout this essay one should consider: Is McDonaldization more harm than it is good?
McDonald’s is a well-known icon and influence on our culture for many reasons. McDonald’s can be seen in many television sitcoms and movies as far back as 1973, as well as a huge sponsor for the Olympics that increase its hold on the society. Through the catchy commercials that boast new products declaring individualism, Americans embrace the individualistic choices and feed into the hype. Also, being a household name that even children can recognize the golden arches and Ronald McDonald, and crave it while you drive by. Personally, I was not immune to the grand opening of McDonald’s close to my hometown, where my parents drove 30 minutes to eat there. Beyond the American borders, it has become a global representation of the Western world abroad as the logo and symbols of McDonald’s are easily recognized by anyone and age from any country. How did McDonald’s take over the world? This is simple to answer: A strong business model.
Kroc’s business model has four major parts: efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control. Each of these aspects can be replicated to any commercial business. Efficiency is enabled by predesigned processes to
In 1955, after hard negotiations, Ray Kroc saw his ideas and aspirations of franchising McDonald’s come to life; since then the corporation has franchised all over the world. Kroc constructed a business model that produced a phenomenon called McDonaldization, which has translated beyond the fast-food world to other consumer companies that we frequent, everyday. McDonald’s has influenced not only the American society but also outside its borders to affect multiple cultures around the world on a micro and macro level. This essay will summarize the central dimensions and ideas of McDonaldization, its effects on our day-to-day lives, and its threat to cultural diversity, our values, and our futures. Throughout this essay one should consider: Is McDonaldization more harm than it is good?
McDonald’s is a well-known icon and influence on our culture for many reasons. McDonald’s can be seen in many television sitcoms and movies as far back as 1973, as well as a huge sponsor for the Olympics that increase its hold on the society. Through the catchy commercials that boast new products declaring individualism, Americans embrace the individualistic choices and feed into the hype. Also, being a household name that even children can recognize the golden arches and Ronald McDonald, and crave it while you drive by. Personally, I was not immune to the grand opening of McDonald’s close to my hometown, where my parents drove 30 minutes to eat there. Beyond the American borders, it has become a global representation of the Western world abroad as the logo and symbols of McDonald’s are easily recognized by anyone and age from any country. How did McDonald’s take over the world? This is simple to answer: A strong business model.
Kroc’s business model has four major parts: efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control. Each of these aspects can be replicated to any commercial business. Efficiency is enabled by predesigned processes to