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Micro-political or inter-cultural conflicts? - An integrating approach

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  • Mense-Petermann, Ursula

Abstract

The article focuses on inner-organizational conflicts arising with respect to processes of organizational transnationalization of multinational companies (MNCs). Two strands of debate are identified and discussed in this respect: one focusing on micro-political, the other one focusing on inter-cultural conflicts. It is argued that an integrative perspective on conflict processes is needed as neither power nor culture can be neglected or put in a secondary position when explaining conflicts in MNCs. Such an integrative framework is developed following Giddens' analytical differentiation of three dimensions of social systems: signification, domination and legitimation. It is argued that it depends on contextual variables framing the process of transnationalization, whether actors conceive of occurring conflicts as being either inter-cultural or micro-political. This theoretical argument is underscored by referring to two case studies from a German MNC in the process of transnationalization.

Suggested Citation

  • Mense-Petermann, Ursula, 2006. "Micro-political or inter-cultural conflicts? - An integrating approach," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 12(3), pages 302-317, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intman:v:12:y:2006:i:3:p:302-317
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    Cited by:

    1. Yorgos Rizopoulos & Dimitrios E Sergakis, 2010. "MNEs and policy networks: Institutional embeddedness and strategic choice," Post-Print halshs-01968233, HAL.
    2. Rizopoulos, Yorgos A. & Sergakis, Dimitrios E., 2010. "MNEs and policy networks: Institutional embeddedness and strategic choice," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 45(3), pages 250-256, July.
    3. Piotti, Geny, 2007. "Why do companies relocate? The German discourse on relocation," MPIfG Discussion Paper 07/14, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
    4. Moore, Fiona, 2012. "Identity, knowledge and strategy in the UK subsidiary of an Anglo-German automobile manufacturer," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 21(2), pages 281-292.

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