Answer :
Starbucks is primarily considered a multinational corporation due to its significant global footprint, although it also adopts some transnational characteristics by adjusting to local markets and engaging in ethical sourcing and CSR initiatives.
Starbucks is often categorized as a multinational corporation because of its widespread global presence with thousands of stores in various countries, but it exhibits some characteristics of a transnational company as well, especially in its efforts to cater to local tastes and customs.In its global expansion, Starbucks has utilized different market entry strategies such as joint ventures, licensing, and acquisitions to mitigate risks and address local market conditions. The partnership with local entities in places like Japan and China was crucial for Starbucks because it brought valuable local knowledge and helped the company to expand quickly without shouldering all the upfront costs. In the United Kingdom, Starbucks made a strategic acquisition buying the Seattle Coffee Company to establish a strong presence from the outset.Furthermore, Starbucks has embraced a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical sourcing, becoming the largest buyer of Fair Trade certified coffee and creating loan programs to support small-scale farmers. This illustrates the company's blend of global strategies with local responsiveness, typical of a transnational approach.
