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Resource dependency and parent–subsidiary capability transfers

Author

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  • Chen, Tain-Jy
  • Chen, Homin
  • Ku, Ying-Hua

Abstract

In this paper, we treat the multinational firm as an internal market in which various business units compete for scarce resources. By using the resource dependence theory to examine the parent–subsidiary relationship, we view this relationship as more of a political coalition than a hierarchy. We studied the pattern of capability transfers from the headquarters to the subsidiary to highlight this relationship. Using Taiwan-based multinational firms as the sample, our results show that the pattern is more reminiscent of a power game than an effort to maximize global efficiency. In essence, a triangular power play between the headquarters, subsidiary, and local networks determines the extent to which firm-specific capabilities are to be transferred abroad. It is almost certain that capabilities will never be completely transferred. A subsidiary can leverage local market potential to prompt more capability transfers from the headquarters, but any inclinations for the subsidiary to differentiate itself from the parent will discourage such transfers.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Tain-Jy & Chen, Homin & Ku, Ying-Hua, 2012. "Resource dependency and parent–subsidiary capability transfers," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 259-266.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:47:y:2012:i:2:p:259-266
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2011.04.013
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    6. Cher-Hung Tseng, 2015. "Determinants of MNC’s Knowledge Inflows to Subsidiaries: A Perspective on Internalization Advantages," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 55(1), pages 119-150, February.
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    9. Najafi-Tavani, Zhaleh & Robson, Matthew J. & Zaefarian, Ghasem & Andersson, Ulf & Yu, Chong, 2018. "Building subsidiary local responsiveness: (When) does the directionality of intrafirm knowledge transfers matter?," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 53(4), pages 475-492.
    10. Edward Gilmore & Ulf Andersson & Noushan Memar, . "How subsidiaries influence innovation in the MNE value chain," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
    11. Hitt, Michael A. & Li, Dan & Xu, Kai, 2016. "International strategy: From local to global and beyond," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 51(1), pages 58-73.
    12. Kostova, Tatiana & Marano, Valentina & Tallman, Stephen, 2016. "Headquarters–subsidiary relationships in MNCs: Fifty years of evolving research," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 51(1), pages 176-184.
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