Adapting During Unrest: How International Businesses Navigate the Social Movement Landscape

Abstract

This study investigated the strategic responses of multinational enterprises (MNEs) during the 2019 Hong Kong social movement, employing a more nuanced framework of economic opportunity structure (EOS). Our study analyzed the economic impacts and adaptive strategies of MNEs in response to social unrest. Our findings highlight the strategic rationale behind MNE decisions and provide actionable insights for navigating complex socio-political landscapes. Our findings emphasize the crucial need for MNEs to maintain a careful balance of optimizing local engagement and global imperatives. The insights are pivotal for enhancing the strategic adaptability of businesses operating in volatile environments.