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Control mechanisms of MNEs and absorption of foreign technology in cross-border acquisitions

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  • Park, Byung Il
  • Choi, Jiyul

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of control mechanisms exercised by MNEs on knowledge (technology) absorption in cross-border acquisitions (CBAs). The empirical examination was undertaken in Korea, which is a newly industrialized emerging market, where knowledge acquisition from foreign investing firms is particularly important to leapfrog into advanced economies. We find that most of the control mechanisms (i.e., ‘staffing the top management positions’, ‘participation in the policy making and planning process’, ‘interaction of the subsidiary's top management with the MNE’ and ‘participation of foreign expatriates in key functional areas’) have a positive association with organizational learning. In addition, we also uncover that provision of training programs for a fixed period creates more synergy when it is combined with constant and continuous education in daily activities. This study contributes significantly to the body of control mechanism literature and the understanding of CBAs, and also provides practical implications for MNEs intending to enter foreign markets by partially purchasing the equity shares of local firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Park, Byung Il & Choi, Jiyul, 2014. "Control mechanisms of MNEs and absorption of foreign technology in cross-border acquisitions," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 130-144.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:23:y:2014:i:1:p:130-144
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2013.03.004
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    3. Marković Dušan & Đurović Ana & Savović Slađana, 2022. "Post-Acquisition Management in Transitional Economies: Empirical Analysis of Acquired Company in Telecommunication Industry," Economic Themes, Sciendo, vol. 60(4), pages 495-512, December.
    4. Rong (Ratchel) Zeng & Birgitte Grøgaard & Ingmar Björkman, 2023. "Navigating MNE control and coordination: A critical review and directions for future research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(9), pages 1599-1622, December.
    5. Park, Byung Il & Ghauri, Pervez N., 2015. "Determinants influencing CSR practices in small and medium sized MNE subsidiaries: A stakeholder perspective," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 50(1), pages 192-204.
    6. Le Nguyen, Huu & Larimo, Jorma & Ali, Tahir, 2016. "How do ownership control position and national culture influence conflict resolution strategies in international joint ventures?," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(2), pages 559-568.
    7. Zhu, Hong & Qian, Gong-ming, 2015. "High-tech firms’ international acquisition performance: The influence of host country property rights protection," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 556-566.
    8. Jingjing Li & Xianming Wu, 2022. "Technology-Driven Cross-Border M&A, CSR, and Enterprise Innovation Performance—Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-32, March.
    9. Lee, Steve Kyungjae & Ghauri, Pervez N. & Oh, Kum-Sik & Xiao, Shufeng (Simon) & Park, Byung Il & Romero-Martínez, Ana M., 2024. "Reverse knowledge transfer from subsidiaries to headquarters: Chinese firms in Africa," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(1).
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