How Subsidiaries Gain Power in Multinational Corporations

Ram Mudambi, Torben Pedersen, Ulf Andersson

    Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

    Abstract

    This study focuses on how power is gained within large organizations, such as the intra-organizational network of MNCs. Drawing on resource dependence literature, this study develops and empirically tests a set of hypotheses aimed at explaining the multifaceted nature of power and decision making in multinational firms. Data collected from 2107 foreign-owned subsidiaries in seven European countries is used to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that mutual dependence and dependence imbalance provide strong explanations for subsidiary power. Furthermore, subsidiary power over strategic decisions in the MNC is gained through functional power, notably the possession of technological, rather than business-related, power or by the possession of both as they reinforce each other in strengthening the subsidiary's strategic power in the MNC network
    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TidsskriftJournal of World Business
    Vol/bind49
    Udgave nummer1
    Sider (fra-til)101-113
    ISSN1090-9516
    DOI
    StatusUdgivet - jan. 2014

    Emneord

    • Resource dependence theory
    • Subsidiary resources
    • Subsidiary functional- and strategic power

    Citationsformater