Barriers to globalization: Is global distribution possible?

Scholars and managers in international distribution have advocated a global approach to distribution as the best strategy to cope with the globalization of markets. This research provides empirical evidence from US multinational firms that globalized distribution Is not happening and is not expected to happen In the next five years. Local government regulation and competition are the major barriers preventing firms from adopting a global approach to the management of International distribution systems. The research also shows that despite this lack of success in Implementing a globalized approach to distribution, US multinationals have been more successful at Implementing a globalized approach to the process utilized in making major distribution decisions.