Uber: Political-Legal, Socio-Cultural, and Economic Environment

Ubers expansion brings a number of issues to the foreground for its business. For instance, there is the issue of how to categorize its drivers. There is the issue of cultural understanding, which varies from region to region. There is the issue of politics and regulations that the company must maneuver. This paper discusses these aspects of Ubers business from both a domestic and global perspective.

Political-Legal Environments of Uber Domestically and Globally

Domestically (U.S.)

In the United States, Uber's political-legal environment has seen some serious challenges. One of the main issues has been the classification of its drivers. Many drivers have contended that they should be recognized as employees, which would entitle them to various benefits and protections (Dubal, 2019). However, Uber has consistently classified them as independent contractors, which is a move that affects drivers in terms of their rights, benefits, and protections. This classification debate has also led to numerous lawsuits and has become a focal point of discussion around gig economy workers' rights. On top of all this, Uber has been embroiled in legal controversies related to safety concerns. There have been allegations that the company hasn't taken adequate measures to prevent incidents of sexual harassment and assault by its drivers. These legal battles underscore the complexities Uber faces in its domestic operations (Dubal, 2019).

Globally

Uber's entry into international markets has been met with a unique set of political and legal challenges. In China, for example, Uber encountered fierce competition from DiDi, a local ride-sharing app. Despite Uber's global presence and brand recognition, it struggled to gain a foothold in the Chinese market (Chan & Kwok, 2021). This competition culminated in 2016 when Uber decided to merge with DiDi, underscoring the profound influence of local market dynamics and the regulatory environment. In England, Uber has faced regulatory hurdles. This occurred when it lost its operating license in 2017. The city's regulatory body raised concerns about Uber's approach to driver background checks and the overall safety of passengers. This move highlighted the stringent regulatory environment in the UK and the challenges global companies face when navigating it. Although Uber undertook measures to address these concerns and eventually regained its license, it serves as a testament to the intricate political and legal landscapes companies must traverse in global markets (Mohamed et al., 2019).

Socio-Cultural Environment of Uber

Domestically (U.S.)

In the United States, the culture has impacted the...

…and England find themselves in the "Age of High Mass Consumption" stage. This stage is marked by economies that have diversified beyond just manufacturing and have a significant focus on services, reflecting the economic structures of both these countries. China, on the other hand, is in an exciting phase of transition. It is moving from the "Drive to Maturity" stage, which is characterized by diversification and rapidly growing industries, to the "Age of High Mass Consumption" (Chapter 4, n.d.).

Using Galbraith's ideas

According to Galbraith's concepts, it is clear that the U.S. and England have well-established public institutions that regulate business and apply clearly set guidelines. These institutions maintain a balance between innovation and public welfare. In contrast, China operates on a state-driven economic model, where public policies and institutions wield considerable influence and directly impact the business environment (Chapter 4, n.d.).

Conclusion

Uber's business across different countries reveals how vital it is to have understanding, respect, and the ability to adapt to the unique political, legal, socio-cultural, and economic environments of each region. Uber has encountered many challenges, and its experiences in these different markets should help it to manage its global expansion and operation. If it wants to succeed globally, it must…