Case Studies

IKEA in Japan: A Case Study on Cultural Missteps

IKEA in Japan: A Case Study on Cultural Missteps

IKEA’s early expansion into Japan is a powerful example of how cultural and practical missteps can challenge even global brands. This case study explores what went wrong, how IKEA adapted,...

IKEA in Japan: A Case Study on Cultural Missteps

IKEA’s early expansion into Japan is a powerful example of how cultural and practical missteps can challenge even global brands. This case study explores what went wrong, how IKEA adapted,...

japanese_manager_in_usa

When Communication Styles Collide: Lessons from...

The case of Japanese managers in the U.S. shows how communication styles can make or break international business. Directness vs. indirectness may seem small, but it can lead to big...

When Communication Styles Collide: Lessons from...

The case of Japanese managers in the U.S. shows how communication styles can make or break international business. Directness vs. indirectness may seem small, but it can lead to big...

Why Walmart Failed in Germany: A Case Study on Cultural Missteps

Why Walmart Failed in Germany: A Case Study on ...

Walmart’s failure in Germany (1997–2006) is one of the most famous retail case studies. The American giant struggled with cultural misunderstandings, local competition from Aldi and Lidl, and poor adaptation...

Why Walmart Failed in Germany: A Case Study on ...

Walmart’s failure in Germany (1997–2006) is one of the most famous retail case studies. The American giant struggled with cultural misunderstandings, local competition from Aldi and Lidl, and poor adaptation...

The Gucci "Blackface" Sweater Scandal: A Cautionary Tale on Cultural Sensitivity in the UAE

The Gucci "Blackface" Sweater Scandal: A Cautio...

In 2019, Gucci faced backlash for releasing a turtleneck sweater that resembled blackface, sparking global outrage, including in the UAE. The design was seen as culturally insensitive, especially in a...

The Gucci "Blackface" Sweater Scandal: A Cautio...

In 2019, Gucci faced backlash for releasing a turtleneck sweater that resembled blackface, sparking global outrage, including in the UAE. The design was seen as culturally insensitive, especially in a...

McDonald’s Brazil storefront with the golden arches logo as Brazilian customers provide feedback, illustrating cultural awareness and brand lessons

McDonald's Brazil Portion Fiasco: What Went Wro...

In 2012, McDonald's Brazil's "larger portion" promotion turned into a disaster when the advertised portions didn’t match what was served, sparking outrage. This mistake revealed the importance of aligning advertising...

McDonald's Brazil Portion Fiasco: What Went Wro...

In 2012, McDonald's Brazil's "larger portion" promotion turned into a disaster when the advertised portions didn’t match what was served, sparking outrage. This mistake revealed the importance of aligning advertising...

Case Study: Wahaha vs. Danone – A Cross-Cultural Communication Conflict

Case Study: Wahaha vs. Danone – A Cross-Cultura...

This case study delves into the high-profile business dispute between Chinese beverage giant Wahaha and French multinational Danone. Despite a promising partnership, cross-cultural communication breakdowns led to a major fallout...

Case Study: Wahaha vs. Danone – A Cross-Cultura...

This case study delves into the high-profile business dispute between Chinese beverage giant Wahaha and French multinational Danone. Despite a promising partnership, cross-cultural communication breakdowns led to a major fallout...