An institutional perspective of the MNC as a social change agent: the case of environmentalism

Abstract

Purpose

Using an institutional theory perspective this paper aims to examine the influence of multinational corporations (MNCs) on host country institutional environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual piece that introduces the concept of the country institutional profile (CIP) as a useful theoretical framework for analyzing the host country institutional environment.

Findings

The existing model that describes the MNC as a social change agent within host country institutions is extended. This is accomplished by utilizing the CIP as a more formal conception of the host country institutional environment. The model is then used to examine a specific case of the MNC impact on the host country level of environmentalism.

Originality/value

The value of the contribution lies in the application of the CIP for analyzing the host country institutional environment. Furthermore, this framework is applied to the case of the MNC's impact on host country environmentalism.

Citation

Mitchell, M.C. (2010), "An institutional perspective of the MNC as a social change agent: the case of environmentalism", Journal of Global Responsibility, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 382-398. https://doi.org/10.1108/20412561011079452