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Globalization and Health
Published in: Globalization and Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Assessing the health impact of transnational corporations: a case study on McDonald’s Australia

Authors: Julia Anaf, Frances E. Baum, Matt Fisher, Elizabeth Harris, Sharon Friel

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

The practices of transnational corporations affect population health through production methods, shaping social determinants of health, or influencing the regulatory structures governing their activities. There has been limited research on community exposures to TNC policies and practices. Our pilot research used McDonald’s Australia to test methods for assessing the health impacts of one TNC within Australia.

Methods

We adapted existing Health Impact Assessment methods to assess McDonald’s activities. Data identifying potential impacts were sourced through document analysis, including McDonald’s corporate literature; media analysis and semi-structured interviews. We commissioned a spatial and socioeconomic analysis of McDonald’s restaurants in Australia through Geographic Information System technology. The data was mapped against a corporate health impact assessment framework which included McDonald’s Australia’s political and business practices; products and marketing; workforce, social, environmental and economic conditions; and consumers’ health related behaviours.

Results

We identified both positive and detrimental aspects of McDonald’s Australian operations across the scope of the CHIA framework. We found that McDonald’s outlets were slightly more likely to be located in areas of lower socioeconomic status. McDonald’s workplace conditions were found to be more favourable than those in many other countries which reflects compliance with Australian employment regulations. The breadth of findings revealed the need for governments to strengthen regulatory mechanisms that are conducive to health; the opportunity for McDonald’s to augment their corporate social responsibility initiatives and bolster reputational endorsement; and civil society actors to inform their advocacy towards health and equity outcomes from TNC operations.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that undertaking a corporate health impact assessment is possible, with the different methods revealing sufficient information to realise that strong regulatory frameworks are need to help to avoid or to mediate negative health impacts.
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Metadata
Title
Assessing the health impact of transnational corporations: a case study on McDonald’s Australia
Authors
Julia Anaf
Frances E. Baum
Matt Fisher
Elizabeth Harris
Sharon Friel
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-016-0230-4

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