, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
1. Discuss four factors that enabled Airbnb to expand globally within a short period. (8) Present
your answer in the following format:
Factor Discussion
1. Digital Platform and Airbnb leveraged digital networks such as Facebook and Twitter to reach
Global Connectivity customers worldwide instantly. This digital platform allowed them to
interact with both hosts and guests across borders efficiently, making
rapid global expansion feasible (Peng & Meyer, 2023).
2. Trust and Safety To encourage hosts to list their homes and guests to book them, Airbnb
Mechanisms implemented robust identity verification, review systems, and safety
features. Building trust was crucial for adoption, especially in new
countries, facilitating international growth (Peng & Meyer, 2023).
3. Localized Market Despite being a digital business, Airbnb established local offices and
Strategies conducted in-person host recruitment, info sessions, and events. This
“glocal” approach helped build critical mass and adapt offerings to local
cultural and market conditions (Peng & Meyer, 2023).
4. Adaptation to Airbnb developed a customized translation management system and
Language, Payment, and tailored payment methods, identity verification, and supplementary
Regulations content to local contexts. They also navigated local regulatory and
taxation environments, ensuring smooth operations across countries
(Peng & Meyer, 2023).
These factors combined the scalability of a digital platform with localized strategies, enabling
Airbnb to grow to over 4.5 million listings in 191 countries within a decade (Peng & Meyer, 2023).
1. Discuss four factors that enabled Airbnb to expand globally within a short period. (8) Present
your answer in the following format:
Factor Discussion
1. Digital Platform and Airbnb leveraged digital networks such as Facebook and Twitter to reach
Global Connectivity customers worldwide instantly. This digital platform allowed them to
interact with both hosts and guests across borders efficiently, making
rapid global expansion feasible (Peng & Meyer, 2023).
2. Trust and Safety To encourage hosts to list their homes and guests to book them, Airbnb
Mechanisms implemented robust identity verification, review systems, and safety
features. Building trust was crucial for adoption, especially in new
countries, facilitating international growth (Peng & Meyer, 2023).
3. Localized Market Despite being a digital business, Airbnb established local offices and
Strategies conducted in-person host recruitment, info sessions, and events. This
“glocal” approach helped build critical mass and adapt offerings to local
cultural and market conditions (Peng & Meyer, 2023).
4. Adaptation to Airbnb developed a customized translation management system and
Language, Payment, and tailored payment methods, identity verification, and supplementary
Regulations content to local contexts. They also navigated local regulatory and
taxation environments, ensuring smooth operations across countries
(Peng & Meyer, 2023).
These factors combined the scalability of a digital platform with localized strategies, enabling
Airbnb to grow to over 4.5 million listings in 191 countries within a decade (Peng & Meyer, 2023).
