Corporate-Subsidiary Relations, Local Contexts and Workplace Change in Global Corporations

Abstract

Workplace change in 2 subsidiaries of a multinational pharmaceutical corporation is examined. One affiliate is located in the UK, the other in South Africa. It is shown how variations in subsidiary relations with corporate headquarters reflect differences in the strategic power and resources of subsidiaries, as well as differences of a local nature. These differences are reflected in variations in the scope, pace, and content of workplace change.