A study on the international diversification motives of multinational corporations

Abstract

The study tends to discover what drive Multinational Corporations (MNCs) to expand its international markets. Drawing on previous research and extant theories, this study will propose some conspicuous motives-top management team, host country endowment and firm-unique resource. The study discovers that top management team such as top executives, managers, boards of directors and owners have significantly influence MNCs to expand its business across border. Reviewing a wide range of literature in management and related fields, it is indicated that host country endowment has played a crucial role in spurring MNCs to go overseas markets. Another important actor encouraging MNCs to diversify its markets beyond borders is its ownership advantage of unique resource. A theoretical model, triangle-motive of international diversification, is developed to advance that the above mentioned motives do influence MNCs to internationally diversify its operating activities. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013.