How do global values influence consumption decisions?

In a global society, people are quick to borrow from other cultures they admire. People all over the world begin to share the ideal of a material lifestyle and value well known brands that symbolize prosperity. Possessing certain products becomes a mechanism to display one's status. As the global consumption ethic spreads, rituals and product preferences in different cultures become homogenized. In some circumstances in order to be more successful, the product needs to be modified or the way it is positioned in order to make it acceptable to local tastes. In other cases, it is important to be aware of a culture's norms regarding sensitive topics because what may be ok in one culture, may be like a slap in the face to another.