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1 – 10 of over 6000
Article
Publication date: 7 July 2020

Amy Linh Thuy Nguyen

While the current anti-globalisation wave is considered as a regional and cyclical relapse among Western countries, the new era of globalisation has shifted away from stagnant…

Abstract

Purpose

While the current anti-globalisation wave is considered as a regional and cyclical relapse among Western countries, the new era of globalisation has shifted away from stagnant developed economies towards the rising prosperity of emerging Asia, where it is attracting substantial global inward foreign direct investment (FDI). Focussing on Vietnam, the country that is seen as Asia’s next economic tiger, the question of how important intellectual properties (IP) protection is in the international competition for FDI inflows is still unsettled, especially on the under-researched topic of trademarks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes on the business history approach, which allows rich evidence from the dynamic and evolving natures of multinational enterprises (MNEs) to drive the research process, so that international business scholars can test models rigorously. The evidence provided in this paper is essentially qualitative and combines trademark registrations data, with trade and FDI statistics between 1986 and 2016, also draws on companies’ archives, industry reports and related newspaper articles.

Findings

This paper provides the chronology of intellectual property right (IPR) legal landscapes and the dynamic co-evolution of trademarks and FDI inflows in Vietnam. Three trademark protection strategies for MNEs and their patterns here are addressed. The paper also argues that trademarks bring new insights and IP protection strategy for pharmaceutical MNEs for the case of Vietnam is as important in trademarks as it is in patents. In emerging markets with strong incentives for FDI such as Vietnam, MNEs are not necessarily put off by weak IPR, but rather create alternative strategies for dealing with the lack of IP protection in these emerging market settings.

Originality/value

This study challenges the stream of thoughts that view trademarks as a “neglected intangible asset” among different IPRs, while in fact, trademarks advance MNEs’ knowledge by ensuring competitiveness and long-run survival in emerging markets. This paper is among the first few attempts to look at pharmaceutical industry through the lens of trademarks, moving away from the traditional patent-focussed approach. It extends the understanding of OLI paradigm and highlights that MNEs need to possess Oa and Op advantages not only at the beginning of internationalisation process but rather evolving through the time to cope with imitation risks in the host country.

Details

Multinational Business Review, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1525-383X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2018

Zijie Li, Qiuling Gao, Kai Shen and Junyue Zhang

This paper aims to examine different hypotheses concerning the effects of executive incentive on the degree of Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) ambidexterity. Specifically…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine different hypotheses concerning the effects of executive incentive on the degree of Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) ambidexterity. Specifically, this study provides new insights on how executive equity incentive and executive control right incentive may affect overseas ambidextrous strategy of Chinese enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used panel data of Chinese manufacturing listed companies in 2006-2015 to explore the relationships between related factors. Hypotheses are tested by using regression analysis.

Findings

This study found that executive equity incentive is positively related to the degree of FDI ambidexterity. It also found that the level at which control right incentives of executive are made has a curvilinear relationship with degree of FDI ambidexterity. Higher level of control right incentive of executive will be associated with higher degree of FDI ambidexterity; however, beyond some level, higher control right incentive of executive will be associated with lower degree of FDI ambidexterity.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has implications to future research and companies’ everyday practice on ambidextrous FDI strategy.

Originality/value

Based on the principal-agent framework and incentive theory, this paper offers an interesting insight of achieving balance of ambidextrous strategy for Chinese multinational enterprises by involving the different roles of executive equity incentive and executive control right incentive they played.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2018

Olivier Coussi, Kadigia Faccin and Alsones Balestrin

The purpose of this purpose is to understand the territorial management process behind the implementation and anchoring of a foreign direct investment (FDI) project in an emerging…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this purpose is to understand the territorial management process behind the implementation and anchoring of a foreign direct investment (FDI) project in an emerging country during its project life cycle. This research contributes to the “strategy as practice” and “triple helix” research fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use qualitative and single-case research with secondary public sources and confirmatory interviews. The case is related to the process of implementing and anchoring a joint venture in the semiconductor industry between a South Korean company and a Brazilian company. The relations between the university, the companies and the government are analyzed in terms of supporting territorial attractiveness.

Findings

Viewing the attraction of FDI in collaborative terms provides new empirical evidence and explanations of the phenomenon. From this single-case study, the authors can offer the following research propositions, which can be further developed and tested: P1 – the use of a triple helix strategy is an attractive factor when applying an exogenous investment; P2: the entrepreneurial university is an attractive factor when applying an exogenous investment; and P3: contemporary public policies must be involved in complex networks with the community to achieve success when locating and anchoring an exogenous investment.

Research limitations/implications

One of the main limitations is linked to the secondary data sources for the reconstruction of the case narrative. Secondary data sources omit important details when reporting events. The authors tried to overcome this limitation by using multiple sources and providing different types and breadth of details; for the triangulation stage, the authors held interviews to confirm the data collected in the newspapers and to look for details that could have passed unnoticed. Additionally, it should be noted that the confirmatory interviews were retrospective. An intensive interview promotes the clarification of each participant’s interpretation of his or her own experience and therefore represents a very useful method for interpretative research. However, the limitation is that between the experience and the date of the interviews, the interviewee undergoes many other experiences, learning and contexts that modify his or her point of view and way of interpreting what happened in the past. Finally, in this study, the authors have chosen a “Gioia method” template rather than an “Eisenhardt” template (Langley and Abdallah, 2011) and one impression may be the result of a limitation of this template, as pointed out by Langley and Abdallah (2011) “This template has limitations too. One potential limitation that seems, however, not to have hindered these researchers concerns the challenge of convincing readers about the transferability and relevance of the findings given the propensity to study single cases.” In an interpretive research, it is argued that it is the depth of contextual detail in a case study that provides the understanding necessary for a reader to judge whether the theoretical implication is pertinent.

Practical implications

This paper presents a case of success in attracting FDI in emerging countries. The authors emphasize the mechanisms, agreements and difficulties experienced by the government and the local community involved in the management process for the implementation and anchoring of an FDI project. This study offers a valuable resource for FDI attraction for public sector managers and society members. The management of the implementation process of an FDI project life cycle leads to a “territorial triple helix” model that can be used by emerging countries to promote sustainable economic development in high-tech industries. By choosing the theoretical choice of narrative, the authors have a better understanding of the process for anchoring FDI because the authors can identify key events and present information on how territories develop their policies.

Social implications

The example of the Brazilian experience in the management of the FDI anchor of the semiconductor industry implies a series of learning for the emerging economies, particularly in terms of the possibility to discover new features to increase the attractiveness of their FDIs. Usually when the authors think about or consult the literature on attracting and anchoring FDI projects, the authors find that countries are concerned about market size, trade openness or interest rate data. However, in the case of HT Micron, an unknown or untouched criterion can be added: the collaboration between the agents of society.

Originality/value

The present research challenges the linear views of project life and displays a successful project that follows a quite different path. This study is original because it provides public sector managers and society members with a valuable resource for FDI implementation and anchoring. Usually when the authors think about or consult the literature on attracting and anchoring FDI projects, the authors find that countries are concerned about market size, trade openness or interest rate data. However, in the HT Micron case, it is possible to add an unknown or untouched criterion: the collaboration between agents of society.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 13 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 24 November 2016

Xiaoyan Luo and Michał K. Lemański

To understand the rationale for foreign direct investment of Chinese electronic companies, their location decisions and entry mode choices

Abstract

Purpose

To understand the rationale for foreign direct investment of Chinese electronic companies, their location decisions and entry mode choices

Methodology/approach

Secondary data on foreign direct investment of the top 100 companies in China’s electronics industry are analysed. The first part covers an exploratory analysis of the industry and the second part presents a comparative longitudinal analysis of three case studies of representative companies: Haier, Huawei, and Lenovo.

Findings

The three key findings are: (1) market-seeking is the primary motivation for foreign direct investment of Chinese companies in the electronics industry, yet the strategic-asset-seeking gains importance as the internationalization of the company advances; (2) foreign investment path normally starts at adjacent foreign markets, but more distant markets are gradually targeted and become more important for the company; (3) wholly owned investments are the preferred market entry modes in the international expansion.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on secondary data, and more in-depth, interview-based studies are needed to explore the perceptions of decision-makers, and a plethora of contextual factors, which result in specific market entry decisions. As only the 100 largest companies were studied, future research should put under scrutiny also internationalization of smaller firms.

Practical implications

Implications of such findings are discussed in the light of classic internationalization theories as well as the current research on internationalization of companies from emerging/developing countries.

Originality/value

Provides an account of foreign direct investment in a context of a substantial and growing importance for the practice of international business, and identifies an agenda for promising future scholarly inquiries.

Details

The Challenge of Bric Multinationals
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-350-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Jacob W. Musila and Simon P. Sigué

The growing investment gap and the declining foreign aid in recent years have compelled many African countries to turn to foreign direct investment (FDI) as a means to avoid…

8911

Abstract

Purpose

The growing investment gap and the declining foreign aid in recent years have compelled many African countries to turn to foreign direct investment (FDI) as a means to avoid development financing constraints. This article seeks to examine the performance of FDI flow to various regions and countries in Africa and the implication(s) on FDI of the recently launched new partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Explores strategies for accelerating the flow of FDI to Africa, especially the implications of NEPAD programs.

Findings

Africa's FDI inflows are highly uneven both between regions and between countries depending on economic and political environment. In addition, if implemented successfully, NEPAD programs would help spur the flow of FDI to Africa.

Originality/value

Besides the socio‐economic policy recommendations, suggests marketing strategies to help increase the flow of FDI to Africa.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 32 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 24 November 2016

Valeria Gattai and Piergiovanna Natale

In this chapter, we document the growing importance of FDI from BRIC countries in relation to FDI from both developed and developing countries and investigate the types of firms…

Abstract

Purpose

In this chapter, we document the growing importance of FDI from BRIC countries in relation to FDI from both developed and developing countries and investigate the types of firms that are responsible for BRIC FDI.

Methodology/approach

We follow a two-step empirical approach. First, we provide macro evidence on FDI from BRIC countries. We use UNCTAD data to highlight the patterns of FDI flows and stocks. Second, we provide firm-level evidence on FDI. Using ORBIS data, we elaborate a rich taxonomy of FDI that accounts for the decision to invest abroad and for the location, ownership, and number of foreign subsidiaries. Thus, we characterize BRIC multinationals’ involvement in FDI and examine the relationship between FDI and performance at the firm level.

Findings

We unveil new facts about BRIC multinationals. BRIC multinationals are in the minority in their home countries, but they outperform domestic enterprises. Within the group of BRIC investors, those firms that invest in developing countries, that operate in joint ventures, or that have more than five foreign subsidiaries are in the minority, but they outperform those firms that select other FDI strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Our estimates document a positive and robust correlation between FDI and performance; however, the cross-sectional nature of our data does not permit a proper causality analysis.

Originality/value

Our work contributes to the International Economics literature on internationalization and firm performance as well as to the International Business literature on FDI from emerging economies. With respect to the former, we innovate by studying the relation between FDI strategies and firm performance. In relation to the latter, we innovate by introducing firm-level data and a cross-country approach that lets us illustrate the roles and features of FDI from BRIC countries.

Details

The Challenge of Bric Multinationals
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-350-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2013

Yang Yang, Xiaohua Yang and Barry W. Doyle

There has been a surge of overseas investment from China, both to developing and developed countries. However, there is limited understanding of the impact the…

1280

Abstract

Purpose

There has been a surge of overseas investment from China, both to developing and developed countries. However, there is limited understanding of the impact the internationalization of these firms has on their value creation. This paper seeks to draw on the reconciled FSA/CSA framework with Dunning's four motives to differentiate two types of FDI: traditional FDI and strategic asset-seeking FDI. Further, the paper draws on Verbeke's FSA/CSA recombination process model to analyze the differentiated value creation of traditional FDI and strategic asset-seeking FDI for the Chinese MNEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts event study methodology to measure the value created by Chinese MNE's FDI projects and hierarchical linear regression to test the hypotheses. The sample consists of 121 FDI projects publicly announced by Chinese listed companies during 2001-2009.

Findings

Both traditional and strategic asset-seeking FDI create value and traditional FDI creates more value than strategic asset-seeking FDI for Chinese MNEs. In addition, the paper empirically demonstrates that traditional FDI into developing countries creates more firm value than traditional FDI into developed countries or strategic asset-seeking FDI into developed countries.

Originality/value

This research makes the following original contributions: it contributes to the growing body of literature on internationalization of Chinese firms by investigating whether international expansion creates firm value and how the alignment between types of FDI and location strategies influences firm value creation; the study contributes to the literature by providing insights into the performance implications of emerging economy enterprises (EEEs); and the research contributes to FDI theory building by incorporating learning concepts in internationalization theories and by extending the context of internationalization theories to that of EEEs.

Details

Multinational Business Review, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1525-383X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2022

Phung Thanh Quang, Ehsan Rasoulinezhad, Nguyen Nhat Linh and Doan Phuong Thao

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the sustainable inward FDI pattern of Vietnam.

1308

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the sustainable inward FDI pattern of Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper intends to analyze the sustainable FDI pattern of Vietnam using the gravity theory and panel data approach for the annual data over the period of 2007–2020.

Findings

Vietnamese FDI volume is positively affected by political and social factors, globalization and green energy consumption, while geographical distance is a major obstacle to the increase of FDI inflows of the country.

Practical implications

As the main practical policy implications, issuing policies for sustainable economic growth, launching the novel strategy of green FDI neighborhood policy and regionalism through free trade agreements are recommended.

Originality/value

To the best of author's knowledge, there has not been any in-depth academic study focusing on the Vietnam's sustainable FDI. In addition, three robustness checks have been conducted to ensure the validation of empirical findings.

Details

China Finance Review International, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2009

Ahmed Salman

This paper aims to examine Bangladesh's overall economy with special focus on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis, choosing right foreign direct…

5715

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine Bangladesh's overall economy with special focus on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis, choosing right foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy, remittance inflow, lessons from South East Asian nations, risk factors and aftermath.

Design/methodology/approach

Phenomenological research has raised awareness and increased insight into Bangladesh's overall strength, weakness, opportunity and threat in terms of her current position in world economy. The approach is based on observation of the business environment, online research, a close watch on Bangladesh's economy, analysis of newspapers, books, brainstorming with co‐researchers for five years and 30 years of living and working experience in developing countries.

Findings

The research has found that Bangladesh is going to encounter series of economic hurdles in near future. A SWOT analysis of Bangladesh has uncovered her overall strength, weakness, opportunity and threat in terms of her current position in world economy. Despite some strengths and opportunities, Bangladesh has lots of weaknesses and threats that could seriously undermine nation's development process at any time. A holistic and concerted effort is much sought after to address those problems while capitalising on strengths and opportunities. Side by side, Bangladesh should try her level best to attract quality FDI. However, remittance inflow plays very crucial role in Bangladesh's economy. But deplorably, since it is almost impossible to follow the successful model of South East Asian nations, Bangladesh does not have any sure success formula of any country in hand to follow. In fact, many less successful countries will have to struggle for long uncertain period. And sadly, Bangladesh falls into that category indeed. In fact, Bangladesh's economy has been on an inherently unstable path that can only end in tears. But remittance inflow will act as lifeblood for Bangladesh's economy and it will slow down the total apocalyptic process indeed. However, considering the totality, Bangladesh must have to face several critical challenges at once even before embarking on the track of vision 2020! Truly, nightmare is just on!

Originality/value

This paper offers a holistic view that would guide a reader to identify key challenges of a typical least developed country.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 36 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 December 2019

Fang-Yi Lo and Ricky Tan

One important strategy Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) employ to compete in the global market is to engage in foreign investment, but firms must know how they can perform better…

Abstract

Purpose

One important strategy Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) employ to compete in the global market is to engage in foreign investment, but firms must know how they can perform better in the host country market. International subsidiaries’ performances play a chief role for MNEs’ globalization strategy. The purpose of this paper is to construct multi-level research with parent-level data at the higher level and subsidiary-level data at the lower level.

Design/methodology/approach

This study helps capture the rapid growing trend in emerging markets and uses a sample of Taiwanese enterprises and their subsidiaries in China. The data come from the Taiwan Economic Journal database. Precisely, the authors obtain 711 Taiwanese MNEs and 4,458 of their subsidiaries in China.

Findings

This study finds among the parent company’s attributes that firm size, firm total performance, depth of internationalization and foreign shareholding have significant impacts on subsidiary performance, while within the subsidiary’s attributes, subsidiary size, subsidiary-owned capital and total investment fund significantly affect subsidiary performance.

Originality/value

In order to capture subsidiary performance, this study uses a multi-level analysis approach with the Hierarchical Linear Model statistic method to separate parent company attributes and subsidiary-owned attributes as two distinct levels. This method fills the gap in the literature by analyzing subsidiary performance and clarifying that foreign direct investment is a multi-level phenomenon that cannot be analyzed using a one-level analysis method.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

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