Managing asymmetry in franchise contracts: transparency as the overriding rule

PurposeThe aim of this article is to provide solutions to protect the weaker party in management and distribution contracts, especially in the field of franchising.Design/methodology/ approachThe paper is based on a review of literature, legislation and practices concerning management and franchise contracts. The regulation of this field at a national level consists of laws that are both private and mandatory in nature. Certain questions are raised concerning the obligatory nature of regulations when applied to the management of international franchise contracts.FindingsThis article studies the question of whether the imperative application of laws to international contract management is ap…