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Year 8

Transnational corporations

I can explain what a transnational corporation is and describe some of their activities in different countries.

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New
New
Year 8

Transnational corporations

I can explain what a transnational corporation is and describe some of their activities in different countries.

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These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A transnational corporation is a company that can be found all over the world such as Nike and McDonalds.
  2. Transnational corporations can bring about glocalisation, where products and ideas are adapted to local cultures.

Keywords

  • Globalisation - the links and interdependencies between countries all around the world

  • TNC - transnational corporations (TNCs) are large businesses that operate in at least two countries

  • Glocalisation - when TNCs adapt their product or service to suit the local market better

  • Culture - a way of life, customs and behaviours that a group of people share

Common misconception

TNCs sell the same products in different countries.

TNCs can sell different products in different countries.


To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: Transnational corporations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Get students to think of companies they have seen in other countries of the world either in person or on TV shows and social media.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a global company?
A local coffee shop in your town
Correct answer: McDonald's
A family-run bakery
Q2.
What is a downside of globalisation?
Correct answer: Exploitation of workers and environmental damage
More travel between countries
More cultural understanding
Better quality products
Q3.
Which of the following is an effect of globalisation?
More isolated communities
Fewer jobs available globally
Correct answer: Increased cultural exchange and sharing
Q4.
Which of these is an example of globalisation?
Correct answer: A company opening branches in multiple countries
People staying in one country their whole lives
Local farmers only selling within their village
Q5.
What is inequality?
Equal distribution of wealth and resources
The creation of businesses in all countries
Correct answer: The uneven distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities
Q6.
What is one of the effects of globalisation on global transport routes?
Correct answer: More demand for faster and more efficient transport
The closure of all transport networks
Decrease in the movement of people and goods

4 Questions

Q1.
What is a transnational corporation (TNC)?
A company that operates only within one country
A non-profit organisation
Correct answer: A company that operates in multiple countries around the world
Q2.
Which of the following is an example of a transnational corporation?
A small local bakery
A family-owned shop
Correct answer: McDonald’s
A village farmer
Q3.
Which of the following is true about TNCs?
Correct answer: TNCs can sell different products in different countries
TNCs must sell the same products in different countries
TNCs only sell in one country
Q4.
What is one of the main reasons why TNCs set up factories in developing countries?
To raise wages in the home country
To promote local culture
Correct answer: To reduce the cost of production by using cheaper labour