Consumer Behavior in Developed and Developing Countries - Dissertation Example

A large part of the population in developed countries has greater purchasing power and more freedom to explore and satisfy higher-order needs. Developing country consumers are comprised of larger populations sitting at the bottom of the needs hierarchal structure.

Since consumer protection laws are geared toward protecting consumers from an unjust and unfair trade practice, it is argued using economic and exploitation theories, that consumers in developing countries are not served well by these kinds of consumer protection laws and are best served by laws that are designed to ensure that they have access to clean water and nutritious food. However, since there are consumers in developing countries who are vulnerable to exploitation by MNEs, it is argued that a separate standard is not appropriate and that welfare and human rights laws are best for regulating all consumers who are living in poverty and unable to satisfy basic lower-order needs.

List of Abbreviations EC – European Community EU – European Community IMF – International Monetary Fund MNE – Multinational Enterprises UIS – UNESCO Institute of Statistics UNCTAD – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Table of Contents Abstract 4 Chapter One: Introduction to the Study 7 1.1.Introduction 7 1.2.Research Questions 10 1.3.Aims and Objectives 10 1.4.Significance of Study 11 1.5.

Research Methodology 12 1.6.Conceptual Framework 13 1.7.Organization of Study 17 Chapter Two: Consumer Behaviour, Needs and Interest in Developing and Developed Countries 18 2.1. Introduction 18 2.2. Consumers in Developed Countries 19 2.2.1. Needs and Interest 19 2.2.2. Behavior 21 2.3. Consumers in Developing Countries 25 2.3.1. Needs and Interests 25 2.3.2. Behavior 28 2.4. Conclusion 31 Chapter Three: Consumer Protection Law in Developed and Developing Countries 33 3.1.Introduction 33 3.2.United Nations Conference on Trade and Development United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection 1999. 33 3.3.