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The effects of MNC parent effort and social structure on subsidiary absorptive capacity

Author

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  • Stephanie C Schleimer

    (Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia)

  • Torben Pedersen

    (Bocconi University, Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Although the literature provides ample evidence that the global transfer and local implementation of knowledge represents a key advantage for multinational corporations (MNCs), we lack comparable understanding as to whether knowledge-creating MNC parents can actively expand the absorptive capacity of their subsidiaries. Using a teacher–student lens, this study examines the combined impact of specific structural mechanisms and motivational processes by MNC parents on the ability of 216 subsidiaries to absorb parent-initiated marketing strategies. The findings reveal that MNC parents can indeed cultivate subsidiaries’ ability to appropriate marketing knowledge through a combination of adopting specific social structures and investing in particular efforts. However, the effect of social structure on subsidiary absorptive capacity is indirect, and accounted for by the parents’ intensity of effort. A number of theoretical implications emerge from the findings for research on absorptive capacity in relation to the role of the knowledge source, the need to examine organizational influences in relation to one another, and validating the original absorptive capacity dimensions. For managers in the global marketplace, the findings lead to the suggestion that MNCs devote attention to nurturing the absorptive capacities at different organizational levels in order to optimize the global transfer of knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephanie C Schleimer & Torben Pedersen, 2014. "The effects of MNC parent effort and social structure on subsidiary absorptive capacity," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 45(3), pages 303-320, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:45:y:2014:i:3:p:303-320
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    Cited by:

    1. Yutaka Fujioka & Norio Kambayashi, 2022. "Learning by teaching technological knowledge: conceptual skill development in Japanese overseas subsidiaries," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 2(9), pages 1-32, September.
    2. Fortwengel, Johann & Gutierrez Huerter O, Gabriela & Kostova, Tatiana, 2023. "Three decades of research on practice transfer in multinational firms: Past contributions and future opportunities," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 58(3).
    3. Arie Y Lewin & Silvia Massini & Carine Peeters, 2020. "Absorptive capacity, socially enabling mechanisms, and the role of learning from trial and error experiments: A tribute to Dan Levinthal’s contribution to international business research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(9), pages 1568-1579, December.
    4. Yadong Luo, 2020. "Adaptive learning in international business," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(9), pages 1547-1567, December.
    5. Torben Pedersen & Marcus M Larsen & Àngels Dasí, 2020. "Searching locally and globally: Applying Daniel Levinthal’s scholarship to international business," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(9), pages 1532-1546, December.
    6. Klaus E. Meyer & Chengguang Li & Andreas P. J. Schotter, 0. "Managing the MNE subsidiary: Advancing a multi-level and dynamic research agenda," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 0, pages 1-39.
    7. Villar, Cristina & Dasí, Àngels & Botella-Andreu, Ana, 2018. "Subsidiary-specific advantages for inter-regional expansion: The role of intermediate units," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 328-338.
    8. Dellestrand, Henrik & Holm, Ulf & Lindahl, Olof, 2023. "Moving beyond the transfer dyad: Exploring network influences on transfer effectiveness," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2).
    9. Garg, Garima & Sewak, Mayank & Sharma, Anurag, 2022. "Learning from Older Siblings: Impact On Subsidiary Performance," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(3).
    10. Ponce-Espinosa, Glenda & Segarra-Oña, Marival & Peiró-Signes, Angel, 2020. "From absorption capacity to in-company knowledge generation: key aspects’ identification," TEC Empresarial, School of Business, Costa Rica Institute of Technology (ITCR), vol. 14(3), pages 34-49.
    11. Richard W. Carney & Sadok El Ghoul & Omrane Guedhami & Jane W. Lu & He Wang, 2022. "Political corporate social responsibility: The role of deliberative capacity," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 53(8), pages 1766-1784, October.
    12. Apriliyanti, Indri Dwi & Alon, Ilan, 2017. "Bibliometric analysis of absorptive capacity," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(5), pages 896-907.
    13. Heather Berry, 2018. "The Influence of Multiple Knowledge Networks on Innovation in Foreign Operations," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 29(5), pages 855-872, October.
    14. Jeoung Yul Lee & Shufeng (Simon) Xiao & Surender Munjal, 2023. "How business groups build globally relevant knowledge from local contexts? Exploring the double-edged sword effect of cultural diversity," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 22(5), pages 2189-2224, November.
    15. Lívia Lopes Barakat & Torben Pedersen & Marcio Amaral-Baptista & Sherban Leornardo Cretoiu & Paulo Bento, 2022. "Too Much of Two Good Things: Explicating the Limited Complementarity Between Drivers of MNC Headquarters’ Absorptive Capacity," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 62(3), pages 393-426, June.
    16. Zhuo Chen & Prashant Kale & Robert E. Hoskisson, 2018. "Geographic overlap and acquisition pairing," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(2), pages 329-355, February.
    17. Mohr, Alex & Konara, Palitha & Ganotakis, Panagiotis, 2020. "Explaining the performance of divested overseas subsidiaries," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(1).
    18. Klaus E. Meyer & Chengguang Li & Andreas P. J. Schotter, 2020. "Managing the MNE subsidiary: Advancing a multi-level and dynamic research agenda," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(4), pages 538-576, June.
    19. Bedford, David & Bisbe, Josep & Sweeney, Breda, 2022. "Enhancing external knowledge search: The influence of performance measurement system design on the absorptive capacity of top management teams," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    20. Heather Berry, 2023. "Diverse knowledge exploration and diffusion in MNCs," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(7), pages 1589-1615, July.
    21. Riviere, Monica & Suder, Gabriele, 2016. "Perspectives on strategic internationalization: Developing capabilities for renewal," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(4), pages 847-858.

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