Principal-Agent Multiplicity in Headquarters-Subsidiary Relationships of Multinational Corporations

The relationship between headquarters and subsidiaries has been the focus of many studies applying diverse theories. A common yet somewhat dormant perspective is agency theory, which views headquarters as principals and subsidiaries as agents. While this perspective has facilitated analyses on e.g., subsidiary-specific control strategies, it falls short in recognizing the complexities found in contemporary MNCs. It is argued that agency relationships are not limited to the ones between headquarters and subsidiary top managers, but can be found on many levels. We build on the traditional notion, and theoretically advance it by allowing for internal units inside headquarters and subsidiaries. As a consequence, we find multiple agency relationships, as well as multiple principals to the same agent. Theoretical implications are discussed and propositions put forward.