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Transnationality and Financial Performance in the Era of the Global Factory

Author

Listed:
  • Peter J. Buckley

    (University of Leeds)

  • Xiaowen Tian

    (Murdoch University)

Abstract

Drawing on the core notions of knowledge augmentation and rational choice in internalization theory, the paper develops a theoretical framework to examine the relationship between transnationality and financial performance in the era of the global factory, and tests hypotheses against recent experience of leading transnational enterprises. The paper rejects a direct relationship between transnationality and financial performance, and supports a mediation model in which knowledge-based assets mediate the relationship between transnationality and financial performance conditional on R&D intensity. In making decisions on the transnationality of a firm, managers should not focus on whether it helps the firm achieve direct financial benefits because these are quickly offset by the costs in a competitive environment. Instead, they should focus on whether it helps the firm enhance knowledge-based assets and, through it, financial gains that can be long-lasting, and whether it is supported by R&D to augment such assets.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter J. Buckley & Xiaowen Tian, 2017. "Transnationality and Financial Performance in the Era of the Global Factory," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 57(4), pages 501-528, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:57:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s11575-016-0306-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-016-0306-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Liena Kano & Eric W. K. Tsang & Henry Wai-chung Yeung, 2020. "Global value chains: A review of the multi-disciplinary literature," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(4), pages 577-622, June.

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