Critical and mainstream international business research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether subnational market-supporting institutions in Indian states affect the likelihood of Indian multinational enterprises (MNEs) to undertake acquisitions in advanced economies (AEs) rather than emerging economies (EEs) and, if so, which mechanism – institutional fostering or escapism – underlies the phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a logistic regression model on a dataset of 647 firm-level cross-border acquisitions (CBAs) undertaken by Indian MNEs during the period 2010–2016. Findings The paper finds support for the institutional escapism mechanism, as opposed to the institutional fostering mechanism, underlying Indian MNEs’ acquisitions in AEs (rather than EEs). That is, firms headquartered in Indian states where market-supporting institutions (such as economic liberalization and efficiency of legal systems) are weak are more likely to undertake CBAs in AEs than in EEs as an escapist response to weak subnational institutions at home. Originality/value The paper highlights the relevance of the mainstream international business (IB) concept of emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) internationalization to critical IB scholarship by examining subnational institutional influences on EMNEs’ foreign market choice between AEs and EEs. In particular, by providing evidence for the institutional escapism mechanism which has potential negative socioeconomic consequences in the region of the investing firm, the paper adds to critical IB research which places great emphasis on the examination of inequalities and draws attention to the EMNE context as a suitable setting for further research on internationalization from a critical perspective.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 61%

Subnational institutions and EMNE acquisitions in advanced economies: institutional escapism or fostering?

Nayyar

Prashantham

2020

“…The critical interpretations here certainly paint a gloomy picture but are presented to contrast with and to potentially influence mainstream views on the topic (Dörrenbächer and Gammelgaard, 2019). While this article focused on questioning and problematizing, there are likely many among both elite and non-elite positions who may be on the side of change efforts and engaged in addressing societal challenges during and beyond the pandemic.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elite maintenance work across the Covid-19 crisis: a critical view on power and language

Riaz

Buchanan

2021

Purpose This paper aims to present a critical interpretation of unfolding events related to corporate and policymaking elites during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic crisis to serve as a point of contrast to mainstream views. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon literature on elite maintenance and power, learning from recent previous crises and emerging evidence during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, this study develops arguments to question and problematize the exercise of power by elites toward maintenance of existing systems across the pandemic. Findings Critical examination points attention to three related but analytically distinct strategies in the exercise of elite power: reinforcing myths, redirecting blame and reclaiming positions, all directed to maintain the system and preserve power. The potential effects of this ongoing elite maintenance are highlighted, revealing the old and new forms of power likely to emerge at the corporate, national and global levels across the pandemic crisis and endure beyond it. Social implications It is hoped that the critical examination here may build more awareness about the deep and complex nature of elite power and systems across the globe that preclude meaningful system change to address societal challenges. It may thereby provide more informed engagement toward system change. Originality/value The main originality of the paper lies in its attempt to tie together the various types of elite maintenance works and their potential effects into an overarching narrative. Making these connections and interpreting them from a critical perspective provides a rare large-canvas picture of elite power and system maintenance, particularly across a global crisis.

“…While different viewpoints to the contexts, needs and benefits need to be incorporated in IB studies, there is a threat that the conflicts and tensions among market actors remain understudied. By incorporating the dark sides (Burmester et al, 2019;Dörrenbächer and Gammelgaard, 2019;Enderwick, 2019), the research community could provide a more holistic and balanced view of renewable energy in IB.…”

Section: Global Production and Adoption Of Renewable Energymentioning

confidence: 99%

Renewable energy in international business

Kaartemo¹,

Gonzalez-Perez

2020

Purpose The purpose of this guest editorial is to introduce the special issue entitled “Renewable energy in international business.” Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a research agenda for the topic of the special issue and provides an overview of the articles included. Findings This guest editorial contains a discussion of the themes related to the topic, with a particular focus on the global production and adoption of renewable energies and dark sides of international renewable energy. Research limitations/implications This guest editorial considers how the articles included in the special issue contribute to research on renewable energy in international business and provides an avenue for future studies for a broader impact. Originality/value The discussion raises two important research streams that have remained overlooked in international business research, namely, global production and adoption of renewable energies and dark sides of international renewable energy. This guest editorial also highlights the potential of international business research to become more relevant by incorporating conceptual, methodological and empirical insights that inform the multidisciplinary community of renewable energy researchers.