The development and globalization of a transnational media conglomerate: A historical case study of Matsushita Electric Industrial Company.

Abstract

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is one of several media conglomerates that pursues an idealized, transnational conglomerate model. Matsushita Electric participates in the development of technology, the disbursement of goods in a global economic market, and the amassing of wealth and power on an international scale. From a technological determinism perspective, technological developers are viewed as the instigators of social changes and providers of the fundamental understructure of social organization. Media determinism postulates the power of media technology to impact social change. Both theories question the role of technology in shaping human behavior. To study these issues more closely, Matsushita Electric is examined, using the historical case study method. Specific areas of concern include how a transnational media conglomerate's rise to global prominence begins; the social, political and economic events that allow a transnational media corporation to develop and to flourish; the method by which a transnational media conglomerate can gain and hold political, economic and social power; and, the consequences of the business practices and influences that a transnational media conglomerate exerts upon the behavior of consumers. The main emphasis for this study is the history of Matsushita Electric and the impact on society that it has had through the development and distribution of media technology. Further, this project examines the role of Japanese business practices and influences on the Matsushita Corporation as well as the actions and reactions of the United States in dealing with such a strong economic entity.