Overcoming the Home Field Disadvantage: How BRICS Firms Adapt to Market Reforms

Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this chapter is to discuss the managerial implications of regulatory reforms in BRICS countries and how those reforms affect the strategy and performance of BRICS multinationals. In particular, we consider (1) how firms may learn from the institutional and competitive changes at home that accompany pro-market reforms and use this knowledge to venture out successfully across borders, (2) how firms may learn through their international operations as a means to enhance their competitiveness and responsiveness to reforms in their home market, and (3) how BRICS multinationals differ from other emerging market multinationals.

Methodology

The chapter is primarily conceptual and relies heavily on case studies, interviews, and public financial data.

Findings

Ultimately, reforms are implemented by the state, but the strategic responses of managers to these reforms are largely what determine whether their firms will survive and thrive under the new and evolving regulatory conditions. BRICS firms are particularly well positioned to take advantage of reforms within their own countries and in other emerging markets, including other BRICS nations.

Originality/value

The chapter underscores the importance of aligning strategy with home and host market policies and environments.

Research Limitations

The observations presented are conceptual and have not been verified quantitatively. We rely heavily on historical observation and, therefore, much of the analysis is selective to those firms and may not apply to other firms.

Citation

Dau, L.A. and Wesley, D. (2016), "Overcoming the Home Field Disadvantage: How BRICS Firms Adapt to Market Reforms", The Challenge of Bric Multinationals (Progress in International Business Research, Vol. 11), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 175-193. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1745-886220160000011010