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1 – 10 of over 5000
Article
Publication date: 27 February 2009

Rajesh K. Pillania

There is an increased interest in research and explanation for emerging markets and multinational corporations (MNCs). This paper aims to study emerging markets and MNCs.

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Abstract

Purpose

There is an increased interest in research and explanation for emerging markets and multinational corporations (MNCs). This paper aims to study emerging markets and MNCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes help of existing literature and industry examples.

Findings

The success record of MNCs from developed countries in emerging market has been mixed. The MNCs from emerging markets are now expanding and acquiring companies in developed countries at a rapid pace in recent years. This is reflected in the increasing number of emerging markets MNCs in the Fortune Global 500 list. Emerging market MNCs are giving tough competition to developed country MNCs in other emerging markets as well as Third World countries. The emerging market MNCs' power and impact has increased significantly and many of them have become household names across the world.

Research limitations/implications

MNCs play a very important role in global business. Multinationals and emerging markets have become a popular subject of research.

Practical implications

MNCs from developed countries need to understand emerging markets better. Emerging markets multinationals need to learn further in conquest for global markets.

Originality/value

This paper looks at various issues involved in multinationals and emerging markets.

Details

Business Strategy Series, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-5637

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2012

Deeksha Singh

The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of the rise of emerging economies and emerging economy firms on multinational corporations (MNCs) with respect to four…

4424

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of the rise of emerging economies and emerging economy firms on multinational corporations (MNCs) with respect to four important strategic decisions for MNCs' foreign investment – control and coordination strategies, geographic and product markets of entry, timing of entry, and organizational design for foreign subsidiaries.

Design/methodology/approach

The author utilizes an integration of institutional perspective with the existing explanations of MNC activities, to support their arguments about the impact of the rise of emerging economies on MNCs' strategy and structure decisions. The author presents propositions linking the type of external governance structure in the emerging economy's institutional environment (rule based or relationship based) with the strategy and structure decisions for MNCs.

Findings

The paper proposes that MNCs will follow different control and coordination strategies, geographic and product market strategies, entry timing strategies and organizational design strategies depending on whether the target emerging economy's institutional environment is characterized by a rule based or a relationship based governance structure.

Originality/value

Increasing globalization and rapid rise of emerging economies and emerging economy firms has not only opened up many opportunities for MNCs, but also raised many challenges. Extant literature has, however, not paid enough attention to how MNCs can best make use of the opportunities available in emerging markets, while taking care of the associated challenges. This paper is unique in providing a holistic framework pertaining to important strategic decisions that MNCs have to make, with specific reference to emerging markets.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2017

Florian Becker-Ritterspach, Knut Lange and Jutta Becker-Ritterspach

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework that addresses the question of how and why multinational corporations (MNCs) from developed economies engage in…

1028

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework that addresses the question of how and why multinational corporations (MNCs) from developed economies engage in divergent patterns of institutional entrepreneurship (IE) in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors combine IB’s concept of institutional voids with comparative capitalism’s insights into the institutional embeddedness of firm capabilities and IE. This theoretical cross-fertilisation is instrumental in developing a refined understanding of institutional voids and how MNCs proactively engage with them.

Findings

The authors emphasise the notion of institutional voids as a relative concept and, thereby, move away from an ethnocentric view of emerging markets as “empty spaces” that are void of institutions. The authors’ framework proposes that MNCs from liberal and coordinated market economies experience institutional voids differently and engage in different patterns of IE.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this work is that the propositions are restricted to the country-of-origin effect and that the observations are based on anecdotal evidence only. Against these limitations the authors call for a more comprehensive research agenda in their conclusion.

Social implications

The paper sensitises policymakers in emerging markets for the potentially different patterns of involvement of MNCs in their institutional environments. Specifically, the authors argue that MNCs may have a strong inclination to rebuild critical elements of their home country’s institutional setting in emerging markets. This touches upon questions of national sovereignty and highlights the need for emerging market policymakers to decide which kinds of institutional settings they would like or not like to see imported.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new and critical perspective of the mainstream IB concept of institutional voids. The authors’ key contribution is to highlight that the home country institutional context may substantially matter in how MNCs perceive and respond to institutional voids in emerging markets.

Details

critical perspectives on international business, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-2043

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2020

Chaturong Napathorn

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on global talent management by examining how multinational corporations (MNCs) from developed and emerging economies manage…

1277

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on global talent management by examining how multinational corporations (MNCs) from developed and emerging economies manage talented employees in other emerging economies. Specifically, it aims to understand why MNCs from developed economies are likely to face lower levels of challenge than MNCs from emerging economies when translating corporate-level talent management strategies to their subsidiaries located in emerging economies and how local contextual factors influence the translation processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper undertakes a matched-case comparison of two MNCs, one from a developed economy and the other from an emerging economy, that operate in the emerging economy of Thailand. Evidence was obtained from semi-structured interviews field visits and a review of archival documents and Web resources.

Findings

Based on the obtained evidence, this paper proposes that MNCs from developed economies tend to face challenges in terms of skill shortages, and these challenges affect their translation of talent management strategies to the subsidiary level. By contrast, MNCs from emerging economies tend to face challenges in terms of both skill shortages and the liability of origin (LOR) (i.e. weak employer branding) in the translation process. Both groups of MNCs are likely to develop talent management practices at the subsidiary level to address the challenge of successfully competing in the context of emerging economies.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this research is its methodology. Because this research is based on a matched-case comparison of an MNC from a developed economy and an MNC from an emerging economy, both of which operate in the emerging economy of Thailand, it does not claim generalizability to all MNCs and to other emerging economies. Rather, the results of this research should lead to further discussion of how MNCs from developed and emerging economies translate corporate-level talent management strategies into subsidiary-level practices to survive in other emerging economies. However, one important issue here is that there may be a tension between the use of expatriates and local top managers at MNCs’ subsidiaries located in other emerging economies as drivers for knowledge sourcing in that the importance of expatriates may diminish over time as the subsidiaries located in those economies age (Dahms, 2019). In this regard, future research in the area of global talent management should pay special attention to this issue. The other important issue here is that it is possible that the two case study MNCs are very different from one another because of their organizational development stage, history and current globalization stage. Thus, this issue may also influence the types of talent management strategies and practices that the two case study MNCs have developed in different countries. In particular, MNCs from emerging economies (ICBC) may not have developed their global HR strategies, as they have not yet operated globally as in the case of MNCs from developed economies (Citibank). This can be another important issue for future research. Additionally, both MNCs examined in this research operate in the banking industry. This study, therefore, omits MNCs that operate in other industries such as the automobile industry and the hotel and resort industry. Future researchers can explore how both groups of MNCs in other industries translate their talent management strategies into practices when they operate in other emerging economies. Moreover, this study focuses only on two primary contextual factors, the skill-shortage problem and LOR; future research can explore other local contextual factors, such as the national culture, and their impact on the translation of talent management strategies into practices. Furthermore, quantitative studies that use large sample sizes of both groups of MNCs across industries might be useful in deepening our understanding of talent management. Finally, a comparison of talent management strategies and practices between Japanese MNCs and European MNCs that operate in Thailand would also be interesting.

Practical implications

The HR professionals and managers of MNCs that operate in emerging economies or of companies that aim to internationalize their business to emerging economies must pay attention to local institutional structures, including national skill formation systems, to successfully implement talent management practices in emerging economies. Additionally, in the case of MNCs from emerging economies, HR professionals and managers must understand the concept of LOR and look for ways to alleviate this problem to ensure the success of talent management in both developed economies and other emerging economies.

Social implications

This paper provides policy implications for the government in Thailand and in other emerging economies where the skill-shortage problem is particularly severe. Specifically, these governments should pay attention to solving the problem of occupation-level skill shortages to alleviate the severe competition for talented candidates among firms in the labor market.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the prior literature on talent management in several ways. First, this paper is among the first empirical, qualitative papers that aim to extend the literature on global talent management by focusing on how MNCs from different groups of countries (i.e. developed economies and emerging economies) manage talented employees in the emerging economy of Thailand. Second, this paper demonstrates that the institutional structures of emerging economies play an important role in shaping the talent management practices adopted by the subsidiaries of MNCs that operate in these countries. In this regard, comparative institutionalism theory helps explain the importance of recognizing institutional structures in emerging economies for the purpose of developing effective talent management practices. Finally, there is scarce research on talent management in the underresearched country of Thailand. This study should, therefore, assist managers who wish to implement corporate-to-subsidiary translation strategies in Thailand and other emerging economies.

Details

Review of International Business and Strategy, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-6014

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2007

Yi Zhang, Zigang Zhang and Zhixue Liu

This paper seeks to challenge the traditional wisdom that sheds light upon sequential entry modes in developed countries by exploring the dynamic entry mode choice in sequential…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to challenge the traditional wisdom that sheds light upon sequential entry modes in developed countries by exploring the dynamic entry mode choice in sequential foreign direct investment (FDI) in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature on the entry mode choice is undertaken. Based on analysing two related theories consisting of the knowledge‐based theory of the firm and organizational learning theory, entry mode choices in sequential FDI in emerging economies are investigated using both an internationalisation process model and the capability‐developing perspective, and exclusive propositions are put forward accordingly. Then, these propositions are tested on the context of China with the methodology of paired‐samples t‐tests.

Findings

Based on macro‐level longitudinal data in China from 1979 to 2005, the choice of entry mode in sequential FDI in emerging economies is inconsistent with the capability‐developing theory of the firm, but is consistent with the international process model.

Practical implications

This study provides four practical implications. First, managers intending to invest abroad need to consider the cost and return of a specific entry mode. Second, knowledge about host markets has a more important effect on entry mode choice in emerging markets than MNCs' internal organizational capabilities. Third, MNCs adopt sequential investment in emerging economies, in which they adopt joint ventures in earlier entries and then shift to green‐field investment in later entries. Fourth, experiential learning, which consists of learning about host markets and local partners' skills, is emphasized in sequentially entering emerging markets.

Originality/value

This paper expands the research scope of previous studies that either explore a static choice of entry mode in foreign markets or only examine the entry mode choice in sequential FDI in developed countries. Taking into consideration the dynamic choice of entry modes, the paper studies sequential FDI in emerging economies, which throws light upon theoretical analysis of sequential FDI in China, and which has practical implications for foreign firms that are interested in China and planning to enter China's markets.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 45 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2020

Anne H. Koch

The purpose of this paper is to address the question how multinational corporations (MNCs) can respond to different domains of formal voids associated with informal institutions…

1083

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the question how multinational corporations (MNCs) can respond to different domains of formal voids associated with informal institutions in emergent markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The author advances the institution-based view of international business strategy by developing a framework and six propositions. The theoretical distinction of informal institutions as an additional aspect when disrupting formal institutional voids are instrumental in developing a refined understanding of how MNCs can respond to institutional voids.

Findings

By emphasizing the notion of informal institutions that are associated with formal institutional voids, the author moves away from a unidimensional toward a multidimensional view of substituting formal voids. The presented response variety includes a variety of substitutes.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can apply qualitative research to further examine where, when and why social innovations can be used efficiently to address institutional weaknesses or absences. The author suggests further research opportunities in the implication section.

Social implications

Constituting substitutive formal institutions with complementary informal institutions can help strategic managers navigate business activities in emerging markets. Institutional weaknesses can be used as opportunities to create legitimacy and serve social needs. To help facilitate such impacts public policies need to be developed accordingly.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new and critical perspective on how MNCs can use institutional voids as opportunities. The author’s key contribution is to highlight specific substitutive actions from MNCs to institutional voids when different cultural-cognitive and normative circumstances apply in emerging markets.

Details

critical perspectives on international business, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-2043

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 29 November 2012

Pervez Ghauri, Amjad Hadjikhani and Ulf Elg

The effort in this chapter is to capture some of the relationships between the three pillars in emerging markets. It is an attempt to endow with knowledge on how MNCs manage their…

Abstract

The effort in this chapter is to capture some of the relationships between the three pillars in emerging markets. It is an attempt to endow with knowledge on how MNCs manage their business, social and political relationships in emerging markets. The theoretical and empirical facts are to aid understanding of the differences between developed and emerging countries. Further, the discussions express on the heterogeneity and how the three pillars vary in between the emerging countries. The extensive difference in between these countries, the vital role of social and political relationships together with the rapid development and less developed institutional regulations is explained to challenge the MNCs when managing their businesses. The chapter affirms the weakness in the existing theoretical views and claim for the need for development of new theoretical views adapted for these economies.

Details

Business, Society and Politics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-990-5

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 13 April 2015

Sylwia E. Starnawska

The UN Global Compact promotes values of precautionary approach to environmental changes and business sustainability, which are eagerly embraced by MNCs; however the recognized…

Abstract

Purpose

The UN Global Compact promotes values of precautionary approach to environmental changes and business sustainability, which are eagerly embraced by MNCs; however the recognized emerging country risks pose a challenge for continuous commitment to those principles in the subsidiaries. Especially political and currency risks are considered significant in the subsidiaries located in the emerging markets. Therefore, those risks are often shifted to the local partners as the pursued core principle of the risk management strategies. The objective of MNCs is in fact to limit MNCs responsibility for the liabilities and losses in the emerging markets in case of market downturns, and in effect the advocated risk management practices exacerbate the severity of the emerging market crises.

Methodology/approach

The chapter explores those corporate practices on the examples of numerous major international market players in case of several historical, but recent examples of the emerging market currency crises.

Findings

The concerns addressed in the chapter include: the preference for local financing exposing at risk local banking sectors in the emerging markets, excessive liquidity and minimal capital commitments and investments leading to weaker currency fluctuations and resulting in private capital speculations and capital flight (to safety or to quality). The intensified global competition for international investments in form of FDIs resulted in the erosion of the capital requirements, reduced social and business infrastructure commitments requested, limited currency controls, and other components of the regulatory framework easing in the emerging markets. Other identified in the research key components of the risk management strategies applied by MNCs, destabilizing the emerging markets in financial (both fiscal and currency) crises include: intercompany payments and financing such as: transfer pricing, local sourcing and reimbursements for both tangible and intangible assets transfer.

Implications

Demonstrated approach of MNCs appears ethically questionable and reflects the disparity of the bargaining powers. It also undermines the intentions of the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. The corporate citizenship is found difficult to dominate over the conflicting self-centered interests of MNCs operating in the emerging markets, especially in times of crises. The consideration of the non-compulsory ethically based initiative, as the alternative to the failing effectiveness of the international market regulations, requires restoration of the public and an individual value of the reputation (image, name) built on social responsibility and accountability, unfortunately so much diluted over the last two decades.

Originality/value

The chapter examines the effect of MNCs risk management of their foreign operations on the crises in the emerging markets with focus on inward FDIs flows and inward FDIs stock fluctuations and debt financing. The results evidence the repetitive nature of the self-interest driven corporate behavior.

Details

Beyond the UN Global Compact: Institutions and Regulations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-558-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2016

Daniel Rottig

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of institutions in emerging markets by sketching out the unique institutional features of these markets and their implications for…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of institutions in emerging markets by sketching out the unique institutional features of these markets and their implications for multinational corporations (MNCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conceptual in nature and provides an examination and interrelation of some of the key developments of institution-based research in the context of emerging market studies.

Findings

This paper examines several idiosyncratic institutional features of emerging markets, including institutional voids, the relative importance of informal compared to formal institutions, institutional pressures by local governments, as well as institutional change and transitions.

Practical implications

The paper discusses key effects and implications of the unique institutional environments of emerging markets for managers of MNCs, such as the relevance and importance of context, political, economic and social adaptability, as well as institutional arbitrage.

Social implications

The paper discusses institutional legitimacy pressures in emerging markets for MNCs’ social performance, the relevance and importance of social institutions in these markets, as well as the need for social adaptation in order to successfully do business in emerging markets.

Originality/value

This paper provides a current and relevant discussion of the key formal and informal institutional idiosyncrasies of emerging markets compared to developed markets and forwards a number or practical prescriptions for how to navigate these different and unique institutional environments.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 October 2019

Mohamed Amal and Huaru Kang

The main objective of the present chapter is to address empirically the impacts of institutional distance (ID) on the multinationality level of firms from developing countries and…

Abstract

The main objective of the present chapter is to address empirically the impacts of institutional distance (ID) on the multinationality level of firms from developing countries and interpret how the interaction between ID and firm resources affects firms from developing countries. Using data of firms from developing countries, we estimated an empirical cross-section model. The results show that while cultural distance was not found statistically significant, ID, on the other hand, was statistically significant. The higher the distance between home and host country, the higher the multinationality of firms from developing countries. We also found a positive and statistically significant correlation between intangible resource and multinationality, which suggests a tendency toward new pattern in the internationalization of firms from emerging economies.

Details

International Business in a VUCA World: The Changing Role of States and Firms
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-256-0

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 5000