International business - Essay Example

Sierra Leone Introduction The success of any international business in a foreign country is a consequence of numerous decisions that include analysis of both their cultures and geography among others. Therefore, the essay will attempt to evaluate how those factors influence both opportunities and threats including possible solutions (LeVert 109). Cultural Analyses Sierra Leone, a country based in West Africa, has a peculiar living style guided by its demographics that include an official population of 6, 190,280.

For instance, because of the hybridity of its western and African styles, the citizens mainly cherish customs and traditions within their country while borrowing from other nations. It means the values reflect the country’s ideologies of democracy after coming from a Civil War and their Muslim dominated populace at approximately 71.3 percent. Christianity follows closely at 20 to 30 percent of total population meaning religious violence is hardly witnessed in the country. On that account, most of above cultural analyses often result to various opportunities such as encouraging ethnic tolerance between citizens who still bear fresh memories of the Civil War.

Other opportunities include fostering an African identity and nationalism to promote virtues such as honesty, trust, and love (Duncan et al 133). However, there are also threats that could be orchestrated by aspects of culture in terms of religion domination that could erupt into sectarian violence to another ethnic conflagration. Another imminent threat entails backward beliefs that fail to integrate emerging changes occasioned by technology and globalization as noted with the country’s immense potential.

Geographic/Physical Analyses Geography and climate are vital factors for anybody with prospects of establishing any international meant to attract a global clientele. In Sierra Leone, for instance, with its location at the west coast of Africa has lowland plains, which harbour forests, farmland, and bush. It implies that the country’s weather is moderate for exploring opportunities such as creation of different forms of infrastructure. On that note, infrastructure entail passable roads and railway lines that can facilitate transport of goods and services.

Another opportunity involves the forest-savannah ecoregion that equally supports a business that can thrive in tropical areas such as Northern parts of Sierra Leone. Unfortunately the geographic and physical parts of the nation have also elicited numerous threats for potential investors particularly for doing international business (Haggett 108). Unsustainable agriculture, for example, caused by most rainforests destroyed during the Civil War means a huge portion of the country’s national wealth is non-existent.

Cases of deforestation spread in parts such as Northern Province, Western Rural District, and Loma Mountains National Park symbolizes depletion of essential natural resources that are important in doing business. Overall, the imminent threats brought by nature especially destroyed forests is unable to allow any successful business project. Conclusion It is, therefore, necessary for any potential international business to strike a balance between present opportunities and threats to avoid suffering unnecessary losses.

Conversely, businesses can create new opportunities that eradicate the existing threats such as establishing roads to enhance transport (Duncan et al 139). They can also integrate both foreign and traditional values to foster good customer relationship. Works CitedDuncan, James et al. A Companion to Cultural Geography. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. 2008. Print. Haggett, Peter. Encyclopedia of World Geography, Volume 17. New Jersey, NJ: OUP. 2002. Print. LeVert, Suzanne. Sierra Leone. Mason, OH: Marshall Cavendish. 2012. Print.