Rewarding growth or profit?: Top management team compensation and governance in Japanese MNEs

Japanese multinational enterprises (MNEs) have been popularly characterized as pursuing competitive strategies emphasizing long-term performance, especially growth in sales and market share, rather than shorter term profit performance. Though prior research has emphasized the importance of linking compensation to organizational goals and performance, the relationship between performance and compensation of Japanese executives has received limited empirical attention. This paper provides a preliminary examination of how Japanese top management teams in the 106 largest industrial MNEs were compensated, particularly for performance on sales growth and profitability criteria, over the 1976–1993 time period. The relationships revealed between organizational performance and the bonus compensation of top management teams suggest that the emphasis of Japanese industrial MNEs regarding sales growth versus profitability may not be as simple as suggested by prior studies and popular characterizations.     

Outbound Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Motivation and Domestic Employment by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)

This study investigates whether and how outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) boosts or reduces domestic employment by multinational enterprises (MNEs). Based on analyses of a firm-level sample of 18,252 subsidiary-year cases of Japanese MNEs in 59 countries from 1996 to 2010, the findings indicate that outbound FDI motivated by (1) market seeking for scale and scope expansion, (2) natural resource seeking, or (3) strategic asset seeking tends to serve as a “strategic complement” that enhances domestic employment by MNEs. However, outbound FDI motivated by (4) market seeking associated with declines in domestic demand or (5) labor resource seeking tends to act as a “strategic substitute” that reduces domestic employment by MNEs. The implications for theory, practice, and policymaking are discussed.     

中国企业环境、健康和安全管理者胜任力模型研究

环境、健康和安全管理者的综合素质和能力集中表现为他们的胜任力,他们的胜任力是影响组织环境、健康和安全管理绩效的主要因素。采用实证研究设计,以胜任力理论为基础,探讨中国企业环境、健康和安全管理者的胜任力模型。利用行为事件访谈法,对外资企业、国有企业和民营企业中一些业绩优秀的资深环境、健康和安全管理者进行采访,从中得出环境、健康和安全管理者的基本胜任力特征指标;通过对多省市和多类型企业的环境、健康和安全管理者的大样本问卷调查和数据处理,探索和验证中国企业环境、健康和安全管理者的胜任力模型。研究结果表明,环境、健康和安全管理者胜任力模型包括团队协作、个人特质、沟通决策、问题解决以及环境、健康和安全专业知识与技能5个维度,这5个维度由19个指标构成,并对模型的应用进行讨论。     

跨国企业嵌入集群下链与链竞争动态网络模型分析

在产业集群背景下,跨国企业携技术领先优势进入集群,经历从竞争嵌入(斯坦伯格博弈)到融合均衡(古诺博弈)两阶段。基于此,本文研究集群原有供应链在跨国企业嵌入后,形成原供应链与新供应链之间相互竞争,以及最终达到集群整体网络动态均衡的变化过程,通过利用变分不等式和动态博弈方法,建立起考虑汇率下的链与链动态竞争网络模型,并给出相应的算法。通过实例发现,在第一阶段原有集群供应链能保持较高的消费者满意度,且市场占有率高于跨国企业供应链;在第二阶段,跨国企业供应链的市场占有率则反超。更重要的是,在第二阶段集群市场整体销量和整体利润总和均高于第一阶段。     

CEO Narcissism and Global Performance Variance in Multinational Enterprises: The Roles of Foreign Direct Investment Risk-Taking and Business Group Affiliation

This study examines key mechanisms through which CEO narcissism influences global performance variance in the context of Asian emerging market multinational enterprises. Building on the contextual reinforcement model of narcissism and the cushion hypothesis, we focus on the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) risk-taking and business group affiliation (BGA). We test our moderated mediation model on data from 149 South Korean multinational enterprises from 2006 to 2016. The results show that CEO narcissism is positively associated with FDI risk-taking. The effect of CEO narcissism on global performance variance is mediated by FDI risk-taking. Furthermore, BGA moderates the above-mentioned relationships. Our findings offer important contributions to the international business and CEO narcissism literatures.     

Shop floor practices under changing forms of managerial control: A comparative ethnographic study of micro-politics,control and resistance within a Japanese multinational

This paper presents an ethnographic study of micro-politics, control and resistance within a Japanese multinational. The transfer of management practices within a multinational is a theoretically interesting context in which to examine these processes. The study reveals how micro-political strategies were sustained and resisted within different contexts, drawing on concepts of contextual rationality, contested rationality, institutional theory, labor process theory and recent theorizing of control processes within the multinational.     

Patterns of knowledge flows and MNE innovative performance

This paper examines the influence of inter-and intra organisational knowledge flows on innovative performance in multinational enterprises. It employs a theoretical framework relating to organisational differentiation within multinational enterprises to generate a number of hypotheses linking knowledge flows to innovate performance. The hypotheses are tested in the biopharmaceutical context. Patent citations and co-patenting are utilised to capture knowledge flows. The findings support suggestion in the literature that subsidiary embededdness in external knowledge stimulates innovation in MNEs.     

Crossing borders with social media: Online social networks and FDI

Social media is embedded in today's internationalization strategy. Companies extend their reach into foreign countries by posting and tweeting. Firms also enhance their mobile capabilities in foreign markets (e.g., knowledge and reputation) through user-generated content in online social networks. Levering on the capabilities-based theory of the multinational enterprise, this paper builds upon a resource-based, industry/network-based, and institution-based view framework. The study provides a comprehensive conceptual and empirical model to explain the effect of social networks on foreign direct investment. Empirical analysis in a global panel dataset of >4500 multinational enterprises suggests that online social networks' activity stimulates foreign capital expenditure and new affiliates. In addition, the article explores the relevance of customer capabilities along with sectoral and institutional moderating effects.     

Creating an organizational culture of innovation: case studies of Japanese multinational companies in Thailand

The purpose of this study is to examine the predominant factors that lead to being an innovative organization from the employees’ perspective in Japanese multinational companies (MNCs) in Thailand. The study employed qualitative case study approach utilizing semi-structured interviews and a focus group, and involved nine participants from five different Japanese MNCs operating in Thailand. The study found that learning and development, participative decision-making, communication and tolerance towards conflict and risks, kaizen (continuous improvement) and leadership were the main factors in promoting innovation in organizations.     

Strategic opportunity and economic performance in multinational enterprises: The role and effects of information and communication technology

Recent work on multinational enterprises (MNEs) argues that diversity in terms of the markets they serve and the environments they acquire inputs from provides strategic opportunity unavailable to purely domestic firms. However, MNEs are also exposed to higher levels of complexity and uncertainty due to the presence in different locations and confront associated needs to integrate and coordinate activities. This paper suggests that the attendant cost–benefit tradeoff can be influenced by computer-mediated communication. Based on a sample of 88 organizations in the computer products industries, we find that multinationality in itself does not guarantee a higher level of strategic opportunity. Instead, use of information technology to facilitate communication among managers across functional and geographical boundaries enhances coordination of multinational activities in the development of strategic opportunity, which in turn is associated with superior performance.     

The international training of expatriates in Western subsidiaries of emerging multinational enterprises: A knowledge-based perspective

There is a considerable gap in academic theoretical literature about the international training of expatriates in multinational enterprises (MNEs). While the majority of research has focused on developed (Western) multinationals operating in developing countries, very limited research has been conducted on emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs) operating in developed countries and the expatriates who work in them. In this study, we explore the international training of expatriates in Indian MNEs from the information technology industry operating in Australia to examine how they provide training to their expatriate staff who are sent on international assignments. We collected qualitative data in the form of multiple case studies via interviews with senior executives based in the Australian subsidiaries. Our findings reveal that Indian IT MNEs provide a variety of centralised training programmes for their managerial and technical expatriates and use training as a key instrument to leverage and transfer home country knowledge to their Australian subsidiaries. We also found that each stakeholder involved in the training process plays a distinct role in the knowledge transfer process, which allows Indian EMNEs to integrate the training with their people-centred business model to deliver IT services in host countries.     

Tax attractiveness and the location of German-controlled subsidiaries

This paper analyzes whether taxation has an influence on the location decisions of multinational enterprises. We employ a novel set of 22 tax variables, such as the taxation of dividends and capital gains, withholding taxes, the existence of a group taxation regime, and thin capitalization rules. Furthermore, we use the Tax Attractiveness Index, a new aggregate measure containing the 22 tax variables. Our count data regression analysis is based on a novel hand-collected dataset consisting of the subsidiaries of German DAX30 companies in 97 countries. Controlling for non-tax effects, we find that a country’s tax environment has a significantly positive effect on the number of German-controlled subsidiaries and, therefore, on the location decisions of German multinational enterprises. Specifically, our analysis reveals that German multinational firms place affiliates in countries that offer favorable statutory tax rates, withholding taxes, double tax treaty networks, and holding incentives. Additionally, we find that the Tax Attractiveness Index has explanatory power in subsidiary location decisions and, therefore, it can be used as alternative composite measure, for example, when 22 single tax variables are not at disposal.     

Developing high-technology latecomer firms to compete internationally: A three-sector growth model

In contrast to the mainstream approach, which focuses exclusively on how foreign multinational enterprises move into developing countries, this paper researches how high-technology latecomer multinational enterprises grow from the domestic institutional context into the international market. It draws on the economic development theory and the dynamic capabilities perspective to present a three-sector growth model to understand how high-technology latecomer firms establish themselves in international competition through the interplay of the social sector, the state, and the market. The three sectors may work together when they are pushed by external threats or pulled by internal interests. High-technology latecomer firms, at the stage of “getting there,” would call for the caring hand of the social sector; at the stage of “staying there,” would need the competition of the market; and between these two stages, the discipline of the state.     

The Role of Local Context in the Cross‐border Acquisitions by Emerging Economy Multinational Enterprises

This paper explores the role of local context in cross‐border acquisitions by emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs). It argues that the importance of local context has remained despite the increased global integration of the world economy. Hypotheses are tested using data on Indian acquisitions hosted in 70 countries over an eight‐year period. Results, which are consistent across number and value of cross‐border acquisitions, show that the local context in host countries offers contrasting benefits. Emerging economy multinational enterprises exploited these benefits by embedding in host countries through acquisitions. The acquisition strategy is conventional in the motives underpinning internationalization, but novel in its geographical clustering of host countries, and idiosyncratic owing to the EMNE's ability to draw on home country embeddedness. The paper develops theoretical implications and extends the concept of embeddedness, treating it as a series of internalization or quasi‐internalization decisions across a variety of local contexts by multinationals.     

Institutional distance and the international market entry mode: A meta-analysis

With increasing interest in the internationalization of multinational enterprises, recent studies have focused on the differences between institutions in home and host countries and how they affect the strategic entry decisions of multinational enterprises, particularly the equity-based entry mode. However, the conclusions regarding institutional distance and the equity-based market entry mode are contradictory. This relationship is theoretically unclear and empirically inconsistent. To help resolve these contradictory findings, we conduct meta-analytic research on the relationship between institutional distance and equity-based entry mode. We investigate several moderators that may affect this relationship. These moderators can be divided into three types: measurement factors, such as indices, data sources, and calculation methods; contextual factors, such as industry, time of study, and country characteristics; and theoretical orientation. We offer theoretical insights and recommendations to improve the validity and reliability of research on institutional distance, equity-based entry mode, and ideas for future research.     

Local, regional, or global? Geographic orientation and relative financial performance of emerging market multinational enterprises

We extend the regional/global strategies literature by analyzing the relative performance of emerging market (EM) multinational enterprises (MNEs) based on their geographic orientation. We develop a framework showing that firms adopt three geographic orientations—local, regional, and global—and test our framework with the market penetration strategies (sales) of 701 MNEs from 28 EMs during 2000–2006. Our analysis shows that distinguishing among these three geographic segments is important, as not all of these geographic segments enhance firms’ financial performance relative to their industry: a combination of local and global orientations enhances while regional orientation reduces the relative financial performance of EM MNEs.     

资源、成长性与中国跨国公司海外非市场战略

以中国跨国公司的海外非市场战略为研究对象,研究企业规模、技术资源和企业成长性与企业缓冲战略和搭桥战略之间的关系,重点考察企业成长性对企业非市场战略的作用.研究结果发现,企业规模和技术资源对中国跨国公司海外非市场战略具有显著影响,中国企业更倾向采用搭桥战略,而企业成长性与中国跨国公司海外非市场战略的相关性不显著.这表明以资源为基础的战略观点依然是中国跨国公司海外非市场战略的重要理论基础,企业成长性在海外非市场战略的作用还未得到中国跨国公司的充分重视,有必要使其成为在与东道国政府议价时的重要筹码.     

Globalizing R & D around centres of excellence

Traditionally, foreign R & D has been confined to a limited role within the technological innovation process of multinational enterprises (MNEs). Recent surveys have shown that global R & D, i.e. the location of research and development labs in different countries, is growing. This paper analyses R & D globalization strategies and the decisions to locate R & D abroad. A framework for locating R & D facilities is presented, which is based on an investigation of the practices used in twelve multinational corporations.

Global R & D strategies depend on whether the firm is research-oriented or development-oriented; in other words, whether the firm's strength lies in research or development. The concept of an R & D centre of gravity is introduced. Locational decisions are affected by many factors, some relate to R & D and others relate to the firm and its environment.     

促使跨国公司在东道国从事腐败行为的因素分析——基于新兴市场国家的数据

以国际商务的视角研究跨国公司在东道国的腐败行为首先就要确定哪些因素会促使跨国公司在东道国从事腐败,本研究确定了子公司自身三类因素:制度结构因素、市场导向因素与组织能力因素会对子公司腐败行为产生影响;还考察了腐败程度与组织绩效间的关系。选取新兴市场国家178家跨国公司子公司作为样本,运用结构方程分析方法,本研究结论表明子公司制度结构因素中的外资持股比例与东道国市场经验、组织能力因素中的产品质量与组织层面腐败程度存在负相关关系,市场导向因素中的产品出口比例与组织层面腐败程度存在正相关关系;还表明组织层面腐败的确会降低子公司绩效。     

An Effectual–Causal View of Managerial Decisions in the Internationalization of Indian MNEs

We use effectuation theory to understand the internationalization of emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs), specifically answering the questions of: (a) how managerial decision logic differs across EMNEs that face disadvantages vs. those that do not, and (b) what managerial decision logic helps EMNEs to mitigate disadvantages. We employ a case research approach to analyze decision events across eight firms that internationalized from India between 1990 and 2015. We find that EMNEs are attuned to welcoming and leveraging surprises in order to transform challenging markets into opportunities; form cautious partnerships with self-selecting stakeholders, and; balance all-or-nothing opportunities with losses they can afford. Furthermore, while EMNEs adopt relatively balanced effectual-causal actions to mitigate the liability of multinationality (LoM), they are more effectual than causal in mitigating the liabilities of foreignness (LoF) and liabilities of origin (LoR).