Subsidiary anti-nitiatives: Why do foreign subsidiaries decide to not leverage expertise to the firm?
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2007-08-04
Author(s)
Abstract
Research on subsidiary initiatives has focussed a lot on the positive aspects of such initiatives for both the subsidiary and the global firm. In this paper we question the underlying assump-tion of this research that to leverage subsidiary expertise represents a Pareto improvement for both the global firm and the subsidiary. We then develop the idea of anti-nitiatives, that is, the conscious activities of a foreign subsidiary in a multinational firm that aim to not leverage the subsidiary's expertise to the global firm. We further distinguish 'active' and 'passive' anti-nitiatives.
Following this conceptual development, we use a grounded theory approach to explore the reasons for the existence and persistence of anti-nitiatives by analysing a longitudinal single case study. We find ample evidence for the existence of anti-nitiatives and for the various forms they can take. We are also able to identify the reasons and enabling factors for their emergence. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings for research on subsidiary initiatives, and we discuss some impacts for research on strategic initiatives.
Following this conceptual development, we use a grounded theory approach to explore the reasons for the existence and persistence of anti-nitiatives by analysing a longitudinal single case study. We find ample evidence for the existence of anti-nitiatives and for the various forms they can take. We are also able to identify the reasons and enabling factors for their emergence. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings for research on subsidiary initiatives, and we discuss some impacts for research on strategic initiatives.
Funding(s)
New theoretical perspectives for international innovation: Research gaps and the need for intrafirm information
Language
English
Keywords
international management
subsidiaries
negative relationships
R&D
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Book title
AOM 2007 meeting proceedings
Event Title
Academy of Management Annual Meeting (AOM) 2007 "Doing Well By Doing Good"
Event Location
Philadelphia, PA
Event Date
03-08.08.2007
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
36546