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Institutionalization of protection for intangible assets: Insights from the counterfeit and pirated goods trade in sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph
  • Boso, Nathaniel
  • Kutsoati, James Kofi

Abstract

Based on inductive qualitative multiple case studies of MNE subsidiaries in a sub-Saharan African market, this study investigates how multiple political networking capabilities are developed and leveraged to institutionalize protection for strategic internationally transferrable intangible assets in weak institutional environments. The study finds that MNE subsidiaries use a three-phase process to institutionalize protection for intangible assets: diagnosis of the nature of transaction costs and risks in the weak institutional environment (Phase 1); development of political networking capabilities to generate multiple political resources (Phase 2); and leveraging of a multiplicity of political resources to institutionalize protection for internationally transferable intangible assets (Phase 3). The study concludes that an ability to develop and leverage political networking capabilities to recombine multiple political resources enables MNE subsidiaries to institutionalize protection for internationally intangible assets in challenging host-market institutional environments. The wider theoretical, managerial, and public-policy complications of these findings are discussed, and avenues for future research proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph & Boso, Nathaniel & Kutsoati, James Kofi, 2022. "Institutionalization of protection for intangible assets: Insights from the counterfeit and pirated goods trade in sub-Saharan Africa," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 57(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:57:y:2022:i:2:s1090951621001188
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2021.101307
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    2. Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph & Adomako, Samuel & Danquah, Joseph Kwadwo & Opoku, Robert A. & Zahoor, Nadia, 2022. "Foreign market knowledge, entry mode choice and SME international performance in an emerging market," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(4).
    3. Nathaniel Boso & Joseph Amankwah-Amoah & Dominic Essuman & Oluwaseun E. Olabode & Patience Bruce & Magnus Hultman & James Kofi Kutsoati & Ogechi Adeola, 2023. "Configuring political relationships to navigate host-country institutional complexity: Insights from Anglophone sub-Saharan Africa," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(6), pages 1055-1089, August.
    4. Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph, 2023. "Burning issues: Unraveling the nexus between dysfunctional institutions and counterfeiting in developing countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    5. Magnani, Giovanna & Gioia, Denny, 2023. "Using the Gioia Methodology in international business and entrepreneurship research," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2).
    6. Yuting Bai & Shuo Wang & Hongxu Zhang, 2023. "Does Transport Infrastructure Benefit Gdp Growth?," Working Papers 389127674, Lancaster University Management School, Economics Department.

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