Theories of the multinational firm

Abstract

`This book is all about understanding multinational companies (MNCs) - whythey exist, how they compete, and their impact on society. Six importanttheoretical perspectives of the MNC are discussed at length and compared. Thebook can be read and understood at multiple levels, from learning what eachtheory is about to appreciating the more subtle implications of theirdifferences for firms and society. Despite the complexity of the subject, thebook is an easy and enjoyable read. It is written in a lively, user-friendlystyle, with many illustrated examples.'- William G. Egelhoff, Fordham University, US`In most accounts, especially in the journal literature, the theory ofinternational business is seen as evolving steadily through the incrementaladdition of a series of largely complementary analytical building blocks. MatsForsgren sees instead a set of conflicting perspectives on the subject. Inthis valuable contribution he breaks down theoretical complexity in this fieldinto its distinctive parts. He thereby gives us a better understanding of howthese parts relate to one another - or don't.'- John Cantwell, Rutgers University, US and University of Reading, UK`This excellent book deals with six theoretical approaches to themultinational firm, its activities and organization. The theories and theirimplications are explained and contrasted with each other. The clear andconcise treatment of theories makes the work very useful for students, whileits critical and comparative analysis can be a source of ideas for furtherdevelopments by researchers. I highly recommend the book for students,teachers and researchers.'- Grazia Ietto-Gillies, London South Bank University, UKThis timely textbook presents the assumptions and theories behind contemporaryviews on the multinational firm as an organization and as an actor in theglobal economy. Mats Forsgren analyzes and compares six different theories ofthe multinational firm from the `dominating multinational' to the`politicizing multinational' that have dominated the research in internationalbusiness during the last four decades.Mats Forsgren reveals the basic building blocks and assumptions behind eachtheory in order to reach a better understanding of why the multinational firmis looked upon in so many different ways by researchers and stakeholders. Thisimportant textbook will be an invaluable resource for both undergraduate andpostgraduate students on international business, international management andinternational economy courses.