National and international changes affect management operations in many ways. Many opportunities exist for expansion of U.S. companies into foreign markets, as evidenced by the fast food industry. Proactive motives for going international send companies looking for expanded markets, new customers, and advantageous partnerships.
Reactive motives provide escape from governmental restrictions and various trade barriers.
Companies with operating facilities, not just sales offices, overseas are known as multinational corporations. It is common for multinationals to have foreign affiliates, or partners. International managers must plan for the future just like other managers. Yet the task is made more difficult by the number of additional factors to consider, from assessing the environment, to developing assumptions, to forecasting. External variables affect the threats and opportunities to a business.