Research Article
Open access
Published on 1 April 2025
Download pdf
Li,J. (2025). Striking the balance between standardization and localization: a comparative study of cross-cultural market entry strategies by multinational consumer brands in emerging Asian economies. Journal of Applied Economics and Policy Studies,18(2),20-24.
Export citation

Striking the balance between standardization and localization: a comparative study of cross-cultural market entry strategies by multinational consumer brands in emerging Asian economies

Jiaxuan Li *,1,
  • 1 Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

https://doi.org/10.54254/2977-5701/2025.21905

Abstract

The success of multinational consumer brands in emerging Asia depends on the precise balance between standardization and localization in their marketing strategies. By analyzing the strategies of multinational companies in key emerging markets such as China, India, and Vietnam, this study explores the interplay between the two strategies. Based on an in-depth analysis of case studies, company annual reports, and market data, the research reveals the key factors influencing the choice of product and marketing strategies. The study found that while standardization strategies can improve profitability, localization is key to responding to regional cultural, economic, and political environments. The study highlights the importance of a hybrid strategy—combining the strengths of both strategies to maximize brand effectiveness and user engagement in emerging markets.

Keywords

standardization, localization, cross-cultural market entry, multinational consumer brands, emerging Asian economies

[1]. Martín, O., Chetty, S., & Bai, W. (2022). Foreign market entry knowledge and international performance: The mediating role of international market selection and network capability. Journal of World Business, 57(2), 101266.

[2]. Wulfert, T., et al. (2022). Developing design principles to standardize e-commerce ecosystems: A systematic literature review and multi-case study of boundary resources. Electronic Markets, 32(4), 1813-1842.

[3]. Weithmann, S., & Luedtke, S. (2023). Evaluating the impact of deviating technical standards on business processes, trade and innovation. Journal of Standardisation, 2.

[4]. Prylipko, T. M., et al. (2021). Control and identification of food products under EC regulations and standards. International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 9(5), 83-91.

[5]. Brouthers, K. D., et al. (2022). Charting new courses to enter foreign markets: Conceptualization, theoretical framework, and research directions on non-traditional entry modes. Journal of International Business Studies, 53(9), 2088.

[6]. Meemken, E.-M., et al. (2021). Sustainability standards in global agrifood supply chains. Nature Food, 2(10), 758-765.

[7]. Aversa, P., Huyghe, A., & Bonadio, G. (2021). First impressions stick: Market entry strategies and category priming in the digital domain. Journal of Management Studies, 58(7), 1721-1760.

[8]. Abbaszade, G. (2022). International Brand-Name Standardization/Adaptation.

[9]. Khaleel, M. A., et al. (2022). A standardized dataset of a spontaneous adverse event reporting system. Healthcare, 10(3). MDPI.

[10]. Alsaedi, W. K., et al. (2023). Spectrum options and allocations for 6G: A regulatory and standardization review. IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, 4, 1787-1812.

Cite this article

Li,J. (2025). Striking the balance between standardization and localization: a comparative study of cross-cultural market entry strategies by multinational consumer brands in emerging Asian economies. Journal of Applied Economics and Policy Studies,18(2),20-24.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

Disclaimer/Publisher's Note

The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of EWA Publishing and/or the editor(s). EWA Publishing and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

About volume

Journal:Journal of Applied Economics and Policy Studies

Volume number: Vol.18
ISSN:2977-5701(Print) / 2977-571X(Online)

© 2024 by the author(s). Licensee EWA Publishing, Oxford, UK. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. Authors who publish this series agree to the following terms:
1. Authors retain copyright and grant the series right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this series.
2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the series's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this series.
3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See Open access policy for details).