The role of international marketing channels in economic development: A structural analysis of the effects of exporting and importing on economic level and basic needs.

International marketing is growing in volume and importance for firms. Consequently, the impact of international marketing on society has also taken on additional importance. Distribution through international marketing channels, often referred to as exporting and importing, is the most frequently researched aspect of international marketing. Many marketing researchers have studied the performance of international channels from the perspective of industry. However, little has been written in the marketing literature on the effects of international distribution on society. This research studies the effects of exporting and importing on society. Society's interests are operationalized as two dimensions of economic development: meeting basic needs and economic growth.