An internalization theory rationale for MNE regional strategy

Author:

Verbeke Alain,Kano Liena

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to demonstrate that internalization theory, as a “complete” theory of the firm, is particularly well equipped to analyze multinational enterprise (MNE) regional strategies, thanks to its joint transaction cost economics and resource‐based foundations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds on recent work by Wolf, Egelhoff, and Dunemann to show that internalization theory's predictions on MNE regional strategy are superior to those suggested by several other conceptual frameworks. For each of the 11 hypotheses formulated by Wolf and his co‐authors, an alternative is proposed here that is consistent with internalization theory predictions.FindingsMNE regional strategy is an important empirical phenomenon. Internalization theory, as a powerful conceptual framework with general applicability, simplicity and accuracy, allows in‐depth analysis of MNE regional strategies.Research limitations/implicationsInternalization theory scholars need to find new ways of operationalizing MNE firm‐specific advantages (FSAs), as well as MNE resource recombination trajectories, to predict accurately when and how MNEs will pursue regional versus global strategies.Practical implicationsMNE senior management should rethink international expansion strategies and realize that most large MNEs actually pursue regional, not global strategies.Social implicationsEven the world's largest MNEs have great difficulty engaging in novel resource recombination across the globe, and their alleged market power should therefore not be overestimated.Originality/valueInternational business scholars should embrace internalization theory as the general theory of the MNE, rather than looking for insight from theories not intended – nor properly equipped – to study strategies of the world's most complex entrepreneurial organizations.

Publisher

Emerald

Subject

General Business, Management and Accounting,Business and International Management

Cited by 47 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3