Companies that ignore cultural norms and differences can make some very expensive and embarrassing mistakes. Here are two examples:
Nike inadvertently offended Chinese officials when if ran an ad featuring LeBron James crushing a number of culturally revered Chinese figures in a kung fu-themed television ad. The Chinese government found that the ad violated regulations to uphold national dignity and respect the “motherland’s culture” and yanked the multimillion-dollar campaign. With egg on its face, Nike released a formal apology. Burger King made a similar mistake when if created in-store ads in Spain showing Hindu goddess Lakshmi atop a ham sandwich with the caption “a snack that is sacred.” Cultural and religious groups worldwide objected strenuously-Hindus are vegetarian. Burger King apologized and pulled the adds.