Because of the potential ease with which transnational corporations can relocate, many governments have avoided direct attempts to intervene in their activities. Nonetheless, the major economies have adopted a wide range of policies towards transnational corporations. Some (Japan and France in particular) have been very concerned by the impact of such firms. Others (most notably Britain) have had a relatively relaxed attitude. This book offers an account of policy towards transnationals over the last 30 years or so. It features: detailed, up-to-date accounts of policy in Japan, France, Germany, the United States and Britain; the role of organizations other than governments, including trade unions, business and opposition parties; summaries of which issues have most concerned which countries overall characterizations of each country's policy stance. The result should appeal to those interested in industrial economics, international business, global political economy, and international law.

Transnational corporations are now of immense significance for most economies. However, by definition they are involved in international production and this poses problems for national governments. The threat of a major company leaving gives it leverage over its host government. This means that even though there is a broad consensus that in some respects the impact of a transnational on an economy can be negative, there is a marked reluctance on the part of governments to try to do anything about it. Although they remain sensitive to the problems posed by transnationals, the authors of "Making Transnationals Accountable" do not accept that there is nothing that can be done to influence the behaviour of transnationals. The authors advocate a policy of monitoring their activities and use a comparative approach to show that many governments know surprisingly little about the impact of transnationals on their economies. They identify areas which governments might like to know more about. In an attempt to show what their approach might mean in practice, they draw upon the new techniques developed in social accounting to prepare a detailed social and economic account of "Glaxo".

Transnational corporations are now of immense significance for most economies. However, by definition they are involved in international production and this poses problems for national governments. The threat of a major company leaving gives it leverage over its host government. This means that even though there is a broad consensus that in some respects the impact of a transnational on an economy can be negative, there is a marked reluctance on the part of governments to try to do anything about it. Although they remain sensitive to the problems posed by transnationals, the authors of "Making Transnationals Accountable" do not accept that there is nothing that can be done to influence the behaviour of transnationals. The authors advocate a policy of monitoring their activities and use a comparative approach to show that many governments know surprisingly little about the impact of transnationals on their economies. They identify areas which governments might like to know more about. In an attempt to show what their approach might mean in practice, they draw upon the new techniques developed in social accounting to prepare a detailed social and economic account of "Glaxo".

Innovation in Multinational Corporations in the Information Age investigates the production of information communication technology (ICT) through multinational corporations worldwide, and particularly in Europe. Questions relating to the management of corporate technological portfolio and the management of corporate research activity are addressed, and sectoral specialisation along with the geographical location of corporate technological development are analysed. The book imparts enlightening viewpoints on the changing boundaries of the international firm and the evolution of corporate learning in a more complex technological system. The increasing significance of regions as units of spatial competition is highlighted, and the analysis of ICT provides an insight into business strategy and policy making agendas. Providing useful insights into the dynamics of innovation at company level in an international context, this book will be of great interest to international, political, industrial and business economists and scholars.

Since the bursting of Japan's bubble economy, from 1990 onwards, its multinational companies (MNCs) have faced new competitive challenges, and questions about the management practices on which they had built their initial success in global markets. Japanese engagement in the international economy has undergone a number of phases. Historically, Japanese MNCs learnt from foreign companies, frequently through strategic alliances. After the post-war 'economic miracle', Japanese manufacturers in particular converted themselves into MNCs, transferred their home-grown capabilities to overseas subsidiaries, and made an impact on the world economy. But the period after 1990 marked declining Japanese competitiveness, and asked questions about the ability of Japanese MNCs to be more responsive and global in their strategies, organization, and capabilities. It has been argued that the established management practices of Japanese MNCs inhibited adaptation to recent demands of global competition. This volume presents new case evidence on how Japanese MNCs have responded to the new challenges of the global market place, and it provides examples of how they have transformed strategies and competitive capabilities. This book was originally published as a special issue of Asia Pacific Business Review.

This study explores the struggle for gains from direct investment between multinationals and developing countries. Its purpose is to explain differences in taxation and nationalization between countries, and to consider how direct investments can best contribute to social welfare worldwide. Using game theory models, and taking into account that the developing countries also compete with each other to attract investors, it is shown that policies which manipulate behaviour do not normally distort direct investments, whilst policies that interfere with ownership do. It also demonstrates that governments that maximize social welfare should not be expected to sacrifice the environment to attract multinationals.

Drawing upon an impressive range of international sources, this book explores the late-nineteenth century partnership between Bradford worsted manufacturers the Briggs brothers and the German merchant Ernst Posselt, and their subsequent foreign direct investment in a modern factory and workers' community at Marki, near Warsaw in Poland. Protectionism and increasing foreign competition are discussed, among many complex economic pressures on British industry, as likely catalysts for this enterprise and the general historiography of the Polish lands is explored to reveal a climate of extraordinary opportunity for well-capitalised foreign industrialists in this period. British, Polish and German press and archival documents, as well as Russian police and factory inspectors' reports reveal the everyday experience of Polish factory workers and British consular correspondence provides fascinating insight into the machinations of the entrepreneurs and Warsaw's cosmopolitan business community. Through the development and domination of market and raw materials sources, this venture is shown to have monopolised worsted manufacture in the Russian Empire, using state of the art technology to create, and modern marketing techniques to promote, its product range and evolving image. Marki was described in 1886 as 'a second edition of Saltaire' and latterly as 'the Polish Bournville or Port Sunlight', thus aspects of British and Polish social history are compared to assess the efficacy of introducing the model-community concept, in combination with a radical employment policy, to less industrially-developed Poland. The experiences of an expatriate community of skilled Yorkshire foremen and their instrumentality in diffusing British industrial technology throughout the Russian Empire are described. Against a backdrop of political instability and social upheaval, which dramatically impacted on business behaviour after 1905 and particularly during the interwar period of

Business History and International Business are cognate subjects. There are few, if any, studies of international business that do not require a proper study of context. International business decision making must be made relevant by a considered evaluation of the circumstances surrounding that decision. This often means putting it into its historical context. The contributions that the study of international business can make to business history are the input of appropriate theory and appropriate research methods. The best international business theory can illuminate the seemingly disparate strategies of firms in given historical circumstances and can provide an integrated, overarching conceptual structure of the study of business history. The research methods used in international business are also worthy of scrutiny by business historians. The proposition of this book is that international business theory and method can complement business history. This cross-fertilization has been occurring with increasing regularity over the past few decades and this book brings together some of the fruits of this conjunction of two important intellectual domains. This book was published as a special issue of Business History.

This book, a valuable reference for students of policy and politics, considers policies towards trade, technology transfer and multinational investment as well as general monetary policies and discusses how development policies may be improved.

In recent years, a great deal of scholarly and popular ink has been spilled on the subject of globalization. Relatively few scholars have addressed the political sociology of globalization, and specifically, the emergence of global class formations and a nascent global governance framework. This book is a contribution towards redressing this imbalance.

The book traces the emergence of the World Bank as a key driver of globalization, and as a central source of an evolving form of elite-driven transnational governance which the author describes as global managerialism . The book argues that the Bank has expanded its sphere of activity far beyond provision of low-cost capital for development projects, and plays a central role in pursuing global economic and social policy homogenization. The World Bank and Global Managerialism features a new theoretical approach to globalization, developed through an analytical exposition of the key stages in the institution s growth since its creation at the Bretton Woods conference of 1944. The author details the contemporary Bank s central policy framework, which includes the intertwining of public and private initiatives and the extension of global governance into ever-wider policy and geographic spheres. He also argues that contemporary globalization marks the emergence of a transnational elite, straddling the corporate, government, and civil society sectors. The book provides two detailed case studies that demonstrate the practical analytical utility of the theory of global managerialism.

The theoretical approach provides a robust but flexible framework for understanding contemporary global development. It is essential reading for courses in areas such as International Organizations, Global Political Economy, and Globalization and its Discontents, and is also relevant to students of development policy and international economic architecture, among others.

The uncovering of a great number of cartels in the industrialised world has left an unfortunate, yet significant, mark on global economic developments in recent years. Globalization has forced firms into more direct competition; the result has been global price-fixing. This situation has greatly challenged antitrust authorities. Taking a broad yet detailed approach, this work sets a practical explanation of the history of cartels and antitrust law in a sound theoretical framework, as well as providing suggestions as to how potential reforms of antitrust laws could improve the situation going forward. The book includes a comprehensive analysis of the motivations behind and perceived necessity for organisations to enter into cartels, and the success or otherwise of legislatures' attempts to both uncover and prevent such cartels from taking place. A total of 24 price-fixing conspiracies uncovered in the US and Europe are examined as part of the analysis to demonstrate the globalization of collusion.

The authors explore the degree to which Chinese multinationals have a distinctive 'Chinese' approach to human resource management, in the same way as large Japanese companies are widely regarded as having a special Japanese approach. Based on extensive original research in the subsidiaries of Chinese multinationals outside China, the book examines a wide range of issues related to this key question including the evolution of human resource management in Chinese companies, the internationalization of Chinese business, recruitment and selection, rewards and compensation, performance appraisal, strategic integration, and employee relations. Shen and Edwards give a detailed account of the international human resource management of Chinese multinational enterprises; a topic of increasing significance in understanding global economic affairs.

Investigating the innovation activities of multinational corporations, this book uncovers and examines why the geography of innovation by multinationals is overwhelmingly local, in spite of their global operations in manufacturing and sales through case studies of produce development by three global players: Toyota, Sony, and Canon. The microdynamic approach of the book allows an in-depth investigation of the engineering and technical aspects of innovation making. The book unfolds the complex and constant process of trial and error in innovation and reveals three fundamental natures of innovation making: complexity, interdisciplinarity, and prototyping and testing. In order to manage these three natures of innovation, firms have to plan, ironically, for unplanned situations and to collocate knowledge, people, and resources.

Business History and International Business are cognate subjects. There are few, if any, studies of international business that do not require a proper study of context. International business decision making must be made relevant by a considered evaluation of the circumstances surrounding that decision. This often means putting it into its historical context. The contributions that the study of international business can make to business history are the input of appropriate theory and appropriate research methods. The best international business theory can illuminate the seemingly disparate strategies of firms in given historical circumstances and can provide an integrated, overarching conceptual structure of the study of business history. The research methods used in international business are also worthy of scrutiny by business historians. The proposition of this book is that international business theory and method can complement business history. This cross-fertilization has been occurring with increasing regularity over the past few decades and this book brings together some of the fruits of this conjunction of two important intellectual domains. This book was published as a special issue of Business History.

The authors explore the degree to which Chinese multinationals have a distinctive 'Chinese' approach to human resource management, in the same way as large Japanese companies are widely regarded as having a special Japanese approach. Based on extensive original research in the subsidiaries of Chinese multinationals outside China, the book examines a wide range of issues related to this key question including the evolution of human resource management in Chinese companies, the internationalization of Chinese business, recruitment and selection, rewards and compensation, performance appraisal, strategic integration, and employee relations.

Shen and Edwards give a detailed account of the international human resource management of Chinese multinational enterprises; a topic of increasing significance in understanding global economic affairs.

This definitive text will bring a new level of professionalism to courses in International Management. Truly global in focus, it is a comprehensive primer on the challenges and prospects of international management, with a particular emphasis on developing global managers who are skilled in economics, strategy, and general management. In addition, the authors help readers develop an in-depth understanding of the role of cultural differences in managerial effectiveness. The text is divided into three parts: the emerging global economy; culture, organization, and strategy; and managing global operations. Management topics include: organizing for international business, global business strategy, building strategic alliances, international negotiations, global staffing, managing a competitive workforce, TQM and employee involvement, and managing multicultural teams. Throughout the text, the authors integrate current conceptual materials on global management with in-depth country analyses and real-world business examples. Each chapter begins with an opening case vignette (from countries around the world) and concludes with a list of key terms and in-depth exercises ("Global Manager's Workbook"). The text also provides country ratings for 50 countries on economic activity, political risk, and cultural differences, as well as a 35 item instrument for students to measure their own cultural awareness.

Emerging multinational enterprises (or EMNEs) have made a huge impact on the international business stage by internationalising at a rapid rate. And they have performed remarkably well in both developing and developed countries. Accordingly, there is a growing strand of literature on how EMNEs manage their international human resource (IHRM) practices in different international contexts. However, the majority of the literature on IHRM practices of EMNEs is limited to explaining what international management practices EMNEs implement in their foreign subsidiaries and how they implement them. Too often, EMNEs struggle to transfer their weak management practices across national borders as they have limited experience, resources and capabilities when compared to MNEs from developed countries. Developing a better understanding on the manner in which EMNEs adopt their international human resource management and development practices abroad is, therefore, paramount to fully understand their globalisation-related behaviours. This dedicated book will aim to provide a holistic picture and contemporary insights on IHRM in emerging multinational enterprises. It will be of interest to researchers, academics and students in the fields of business and management, especially those with a particular interest in human resource management, firm internationalisation and emerging markets.

'This book is particularly timely now, given the broad realization that the network organization is it. But how to make such organizations work effectively still leaves many unanswered questions. This book provides many of the answers.' - Peter Lorange, President, International Institute for Management Development

In this volume, leading scholars in international business and business history in the United States, Europe and Japan examine the experiences of a range of firms in the United States. They survey British, Canadian, French, German, Spanish and Japanese firms, and span a range of sectors including automobiles, banking, electricals, petroleum and steel. Together, their contributions present a unique evolutionary and comparative perspective on the management and performance of foreign companies in the United States since 1945.
This book is essential reading for all those with a professional or academic interest in international business, management, business history or business in the United States.

Explores Korean foreign direct investment, putting forward a theoretical framework to explain why the Korean conglomerates felt compelled to invest in western, central and eastern Europe.

The first book-length treatment of theories, practical lessons, and the full set of critical issues that affect international joint ventures. It addresses culture, human resources, learning, legal, management, and research and development, and presents a full set of decisions and detailed guidelines for IJV formation and management. It also thoroughly analyzes 30 case studies.

The formation of "multinational" and "transnational" companies, coupled with the accelerating pace of technology, has changed the way the world practices business. International Business and Trade: Theory, Practice, and Policy addresses the challenges that face large, worldwide businesses today and in the 21st century. This textbook introduces business executives and students to current issues and practices in international business. It analyzes the conceptual nature and operational aspects of multinational enterprise and international trade practices. The book is divided into three parts, each addressing a specific area of international business. The first part discusses the theoretical framework of global commerce, monetary systems, and financial environments. The specifics of international business operations-from legal environments to international trade and foreign investments-are covered in Part II. Part III concentrates on government policies and practices, covering the role of national and international organizations in impacting trade and investments.

This book uses the examples of local supply firms in China and Brazil and their connections to the global automotive industry to explore the nature of current global value chains. It argues that lead firms make use of product architecture to globalize their procurement and supply chain management and that they effectively restructure the global supply base by internationalizing the most capable supply firms, thereby creating oligopolies controlled by the lead firm. The book goes on to contend that some firms have gained such powerful positions that they have gained a degree of control over other firms without the necessity of ownership - altering the mechanics of governance. Also, it shows how, although some supply firms from emerging markets have utilized their business ties with western assembly firms to upgrade themselves within the global value chain, most are squeezed out through increased global competition. Overall, the book makes a major new contribution to the economic theory of governance.

When President Garter responded to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan by slapping an embargo on U.S. grain shipments to the U.S.S.R., he used "the wealth weapon" to defend American strategic interests and human rights, as authors Ben J. Wattenberg and Richard J. Whalen pro-pose in this book that breaks new ground in analyzing U.S. foreign pol-icy.

Writing from their different per-sonal perspectives (as a liberal Demo-crat and a moderate Republican re-spectively), this pair of partisan ac-tivists offer a lively, balanced set of arguments, pro and con, for an activist U.S. foreign policy. They and a cast of invented characters representing op-posing viewpoints debate whether U.S. foreign trade and investments and American multinational corporations should be used to pursue national goals and objectives, especially in dealing with the communist nations.

The authors argue that the post-Vietnam reduction of U.S. political influence and military strength over-seas gives future presidents little choice but to use the largely exploited economic strength and wealth-creat-ing ability of America to protect vital interests abroad--just as President Carter felt compelled to do on an ad hoc basis after the Soviets took over Afghanistan. They call for a consis-tent, long-term use of "the wealth weapon" in close coordination with U.S. allies and trading partners.

As veteran political analysts and so-cial critics, the authors take a fresh, provocative and informative look at a phenomenon too often left to dry-as-dust economists: the role in the world of giant global corporations whose re-sources often dwarf those of nation-states. As they declare, the authors set out to write the first truly readable (and even enjoyable) book about multina-tional corporations--and they have succeeded amid a world crisis when their timely message anticipates to-morrow's headlines.

This is the history of the East India Company and its enduring legacy as a corporation, dealing in exploitation and violence. The English East India Company was the mother of the modern multinational. Its trading empire encircled the globe, importing Asian luxuries such as spices, textiles and teas. But it also conquered much of India with its private army and broke open China's markets with opium. The Company's practices shocked its contemporaries and still reverberate today. This expanded edition explores how the four forces of scale, technology, finance and regulation drove its spectacular rise and fall. This story provides vital lessons on both the role of corporations in world history and the steps required to make global business accountable today.