Which of the following is NOT one of the issues to research regarding international competitors?

Understanding international competitors involves analyzing various aspects that directly influence their market performance and competitive advantage. Each option presented relates to critical areas of competitive analysis, but the focus can vary based on strategic priorities.

Sales channels are vital because they determine how a competitor distributes their products or services, which can significantly impact market penetration and customer reach.

Pricing strategies are equally important, as they reveal how competitors position themselves in terms of pricing, which directly influences consumer choice and market competition.

Market locations are crucial, too, as they dictate geographical presence and can provide insights into market demand and preferences.

Employee benefits, while important for the internal operations and morale of a company, do not necessarily impact a competitor's market performance as directly as the other factors. Researching employee benefits might provide some insights into company culture or employee retention strategies, but it does not directly inform about market behavior or competitive positioning in the way that sales channels, pricing strategies, or market locations do. Thus, focusing on competitors' employee benefits while analyzing international competition may not yield relevant or actionable insights for business strategies.