Case Study

Case 1-1 Discussion Questions

1. Anheuser-Busch, which has been described as “an American icon,” is now under the ownership of a company based in Belgium.. Responding to reports that some consumers planned to boycott Bud products to protest the deal, one industry observer said, “Brand nationality is all about where it was born, and also the ingredients of that beer and how they make the beer: Basically, it doesn’t matter who owns it. We are in a global world right now”. Do you agree?

Students answers will vary based on their agreement or disagreement with this statement. Good students will introduce key words like ethnocentric, polycentric, regiocentric, and geocentric in their answers to describe their view of the manufacturer of beer and how they “feel” about the national origin(s) of and about the beer they drink.

2. Anheuser-Busch, (A-B) has long enjoyed a reputation as a very desirable place to work. Executives were awarded well-appointed corporate suites and traveled on corporate jets; many had secretaries as well as executive assistants. When manager took commercial flights, they flew first class. Most employees received beer for free and could count on donations of beer and merchandise for community events. Tickets to Cardinal home games were also used as a marketing tool. A-B spent heavily on advertising and promotion; various advertising agencies produced about 100 new ads for A-B each year. Given these facts, what changes, if any, would you expect A-B’s new owners to make? Why?

Student answers should explain the differences in / among / and between the different management orientations and compare and contrast the ethnocentric orientation of A-B beverage company versus their new Belgium owners. One could argue that A-BInBev, the new owners of A-B practice a polycentric orientation towards selling beer around the world. In that case, the marketing sales and promotional practices previously enjoyed by A-B most likely will continue....