IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/manint/v58y2018i6d10.1007_s11575-018-0370-2.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Antecedents and Innovation Performance Implications of MNC Political Ties in the Chinese Automotive Supply Chain

Author

Listed:
  • Ruey-Jer ‘Bryan’ Jean

    (National Chengchi University)

  • Rudolf R. Sinkovics

    (The University of Manchester
    Lappeenranta University of Technology
    Temple University)

  • Stefan Zagelmeyer

    (The University of Manchester)

Abstract

The development of political ties represents a non-market strategy, which may substitute for formal contracts in safeguarding against transaction risks of innovation processes in emerging markets with weak institutions, such as China. Previous work has largely ignored the role political ties play in product innovation, and especially with respect to subsidiaries of foreign multinational corporations (MNCs). This study investigates the antecedents and role of political ties in relation to the innovation performance of foreign subsidiaries supplying automotive parts in China. Our analysis is based on survey data from 170 foreign MNC supplier firms in China. A partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach is employed to examine relationships through a ‘soft-modelling’ analysis, using SmartPLS 3. The results empirically confirm the positive impact of political ties, in terms of enhancing foreign MNCs’ product innovation performance in China. Furthermore, it is found that the extent to which foreign suppliers invest in and maintain political ties is driven by a mix of organizational and environmental factors, namely protection orientation, relationship-specific investment, technological dynamism and competitor opportunism. The paper contributes to the understanding of the antecedents and the implications of political ties with respect to the innovation performance of foreign MNC subsidiaries in emerging economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruey-Jer ‘Bryan’ Jean & Rudolf R. Sinkovics & Stefan Zagelmeyer, 2018. "Antecedents and Innovation Performance Implications of MNC Political Ties in the Chinese Automotive Supply Chain," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 58(6), pages 995-1026, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:58:y:2018:i:6:d:10.1007_s11575-018-0370-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-018-0370-2
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11575-018-0370-2
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s11575-018-0370-2?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. C Zhang & S T Cavusgil & A S Roath, 2003. "Manufacturer governance of foreign distributor relationships: do relational norms enhance competitiveness in the export market?," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 34(6), pages 550-566, November.
    2. Steve Werner & Lance Eliot Brouthers & Keith D Brouthers, 1996. "International Risk and Perceived Environmental Uncertainty: The Dimensionality and Internal Consistency of Miller's Measure," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 27(3), pages 571-587, September.
    3. Williamson, Oliver E, 1979. "Transaction-Cost Economics: The Governance of Contractural Relations," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 22(2), pages 233-261, October.
    4. Kevin Zheng Zhou & Dean Xu, 2012. "How foreign firms curtail local supplier opportunism in China: Detailed contracts, centralized control, and relational governance," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 43(7), pages 677-692, September.
    5. Haiyang Li & Yan Zhang, 2007. "The role of managers' political networking and functional experience in new venture performance: Evidence from China's transition economy," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(8), pages 791-804, August.
    6. Albort-Morant, Gema & Leal-Millán, Antonio & Cepeda-Carrión, Gabriel, 2016. "The antecedents of green innovation performance: A model of learning and capabilities," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(11), pages 4912-4917.
    7. Wu, Jie, 2011. "Asymmetric roles of business ties and political ties in product innovation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 64(11), pages 1151-1156.
    8. Herman Wold, 1980. "Model Construction and Evaluation When Theoretical Knowledge Is Scarce," NBER Chapters, in: Evaluation of Econometric Models, pages 47-74, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    9. Luo, Yadong, 2007. "From foreign investors to strategic insiders: Shifting parameters, prescriptions and paradigms for MNCs in China," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 14-34, March.
    10. Wang, Qiong & Bradford, Kevin & Xu, Jun & Weitz, Barton, 2008. "Creativity in buyer–seller relationships: The role of governance," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 25(2), pages 109-118.
    11. Yan Zhang & Haiyang Li, 2010. "Innovation search of new ventures in a technology cluster: the role of ties with service intermediaries," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 88-109, January.
    12. Arnoldi, Jakob & Villadsen, Anders R., 2015. "Political Ties of Listed Chinese Companies, Performance Effects, and Moderating Institutional Factors," Management and Organization Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(2), pages 217-236, June.
    13. Wenqian Zhou & Vivek K. Velamuri & Tobias Dauth, 2017. "Changing Innovation Roles Of Foreign Subsidiaries From The Manufacturing Industry In China," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 21(01), pages 1-32, January.
    14. Mike W Peng & Denis Y L Wang & Yi Jiang, 2008. "An institution-based view of international business strategy: a focus on emerging economies," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 39(5), pages 920-936, July.
    15. Armstrong, J. Scott & Overton, Terry S., 1977. "Estimating Nonresponse Bias in Mail Surveys," MPRA Paper 81694, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    16. Zhang, Yanlong & Zhao, Wei & Ge, Jianhua, 2016. "Institutional duality and political strategies of foreign-invested firms in an emerging economy," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 51(3), pages 451-462.
    17. Zhou, Kevin Zheng & Li, Caroline Bingxin, 2010. "How strategic orientations influence the building of dynamic capability in emerging economies," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 63(3), pages 224-231, March.
    18. Akbar Zaheer & N. Venkatraman, 1995. "Relational governance as an interorganizational strategy: An empirical test of the role of trust in economic exchange," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 16(5), pages 373-392.
    19. Guangyu Hu, 2017. "The Cost of Development in China," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-981-10-4175-4, December.
    20. Jan Kmenta & James B. Ramsey, 1980. "Evaluation of Econometric Models," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number kmen80-1.
    21. Zheng Jane Zhao & Jaideep Anand, 2009. "A multilevel perspective on knowledge transfer: evidence from the Chinese automotive industry," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(9), pages 959-983, September.
    22. Jing A. Zhang & Xiling Cui, 2017. "In Search Of The Effects Of Business And Political Ties On Innovation Ambidexterity," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 21(02), pages 1-27, February.
    23. James A Brander & Victor Cui & Ilan Vertinsky, 2017. "China and intellectual property rights: A challenge to the rule of law," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 48(7), pages 908-921, September.
    24. Jonas F Puck & Dirk Holtbrügge & Alexander T Mohr, 2009. "Beyond entry mode choice: Explaining the conversion of joint ventures into wholly owned subsidiaries in the People's Republic of China," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 40(3), pages 388-404, April.
    25. Kirti Sawhney Celly & Robert E Spekman & John W Kamauff, 1999. "Technological Uncertainty, Buyer Preferences and Supplier Assurances: An Examination of Pacific Rim Purchasing Arrangements," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 30(2), pages 297-316, June.
    26. Michael R Mullen, 1995. "Diagnosing Measurement Equivalence in Cross-National Research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 26(3), pages 573-596, September.
    27. Kent D Miller, 1993. "Industry and Country Effects on Managers′ Perceptions of Environmental Uncertainties," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 24(4), pages 693-714, December.
    28. Elvira Sojli & Wing Wah Tham, 2017. "Foreign political connections," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 48(2), pages 244-266, February.
    29. Zheng Zhao & Jaideep Anand & Will Mitchell, 2005. "A Dual Networks Perspective on Inter‐Organizational Transfer of R&D Capabilities: International Joint Ventures in the Chinese Automotive Industry," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 42(1), pages 127-160, January.
    30. Miller, K.D., 1993. "Industry and Country Effects on Manager's Perceptions of Environmental Uncertainties," Papers 93-105, Purdue University, Krannert School of Management - Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER).
    31. Julie Juan Li & Kevin Zheng Zhou & Alan T Shao, 2009. "Competitive position, managerial ties, and profitability of foreign firms in China: an interactive perspective," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 40(2), pages 339-352, February.
    32. Pierre Dussauge & Miguel Rivera-Santos & Will Mitchell, 2012. "Can New Ventures Control Learning and Leakage in Alliances? The Partial Trade-off between Knowledge Acquisition and Protection in Partnerships Formed by Newly Created Businesses," Working Papers hal-00709103, HAL.
    33. Robert M. Grant & Charles Baden‐Fuller, 2004. "A Knowledge Accessing Theory of Strategic Alliances," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(1), pages 61-84, January.
    34. Kevin Zheng Zhou & Laura Poppo, 2010. "Exchange hazards, relational reliability, and contracts in China: The contingent role of legal enforceability," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 41(5), pages 861-881, June.
    35. Prashant Kale & Harbir Singh & Howard Perlmutter, 2000. "Learning and protection of proprietary assets in strategic alliances: building relational capital," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(3), pages 217-237, March.
    36. Julie Juan Li & Laura Poppo & Kevin Zheng Zhou, 2008. "Do managerial ties in China always produce value? Competition, uncertainty, and domestic vs. foreign firms," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(4), pages 383-400, April.
    37. Wang, Liwen & Sheng, Shibin & Wu, Shuilong & Zhou, Kevin Zheng, 2017. "Government role, governance mechanisms, and foreign partner opportunism in IJVs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 98-107.
    38. Pei Sun & Kamel Mellahi & Eric Thun, 2010. "The dynamic value of MNE political embeddedness: The case of the Chinese automobile industry," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 41(7), pages 1161-1182, September.
    39. Jianjun Zhang & Shu Lin, 2014. "Business and Government," Springer Books, in: Zhi-Xue Zhang & Jianjun Zhang (ed.), Understanding Chinese Firms from Multiple Perspectives, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 51-79, Springer.
    40. Reinartz, Werner & Haenlein, Michael & Henseler, Jörg, 2009. "An empirical comparison of the efficacy of covariance-based and variance-based SEM," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 26(4), pages 332-344.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Jian Du & Shan Zhu & Wen Helena Li, 2023. "Innovation through internationalization: A systematic review and research agenda," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 40(3), pages 1217-1251, September.
    2. Wang, Zhiqiang & Chen, Xiaoli & Zhang, Shanshan & Yin, Ying & Zhao, Xiande, 2022. "The impact of political ties on firm innovativeness: Testing a mediation and moderation model," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 523-534.
    3. Nicole F. Richter & Sven Hauff & Christian M. Ringle & Siegfried P. Gudergan, 2022. "The Use of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Complementary Methods in International Management Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 62(4), pages 449-470, August.
    4. Su, Cong & Kong, Lingshuang & Ciabuschi, Francesco, 2022. "Innovativeness and the relevance of political ties in Chinese MNEs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 494-508.
    5. Chen, Tao & Park, Hyeyoun & Rajwani, Tazeeb, 2024. "Diverse human resource slack and firm innovation: Evidence from politically connected firms," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(2).
    6. Jing A. Zhang & Tao Bai & Ryan W. Tang & Fiona Edgar & Steven Grover & Guoquan Chen, 2022. "The Development of Individual Ambidexterity Across Institutional Environments: Symmetric and Configurational Analyses," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 62(4), pages 517-540, August.
    7. Sasa Ding & Frank McDonald & Yingqi Wei, 2021. "Is Internationalization Beneficial to Innovation? Evidence from a Meta-analysis," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 61(4), pages 469-519, August.
    8. Liu, Xiaming & Yang, Na & Li, Linjie & Liu, Yuanyuan, 2021. "Co-evolution of emerging economy MNEs and institutions: A literature review," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(4).
    9. Kostas Selviaridis & Martin Spring, 2022. "Fostering SME supplier‐enabled innovation in the supply chain: The role of innovation policy," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 58(1), pages 92-123, January.
    10. Liu, Ting & Li, Xizhuo, 2022. "How Do MNCs Conduct Local Technological Innovation in a Host Country? An Examination From Subsidiaries' Perspective," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(3).
    11. Mengmeng Wang & Shufeng (Simon) Xiao, 2022. "How Do Political and Business Ties Matter for Supply Chain Management Capability? An Empirical Test of an Integrative Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
    12. Charpin, Remi & London, Jackie & Vincent, Nicolas, 2024. "The effect of geopolitical tensions on international research collaborations and its implications for global operations management," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Jean, Ruey-Jer “Bryan” & Kim, Daekwan & Cavusgil, Erin, 2020. "Antecedents and outcomes of digital platform risk for international new ventures’ internationalization," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(1).
    2. White, George O. & Fainshmidt, Stav & Rajwani, Tazeeb, 2018. "Antecedents and Outcomes of Political Tie Intensity: Institutional and Strategic Fit Perspectives," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 1-15.
    3. Yadong Luo & Huan Zhang & Juan Bu, 2019. "Developed country MNEs investing in developing economies: Progress and prospect," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 50(4), pages 633-667, June.
    4. Jianghua Zhou & Rui Wu & Jizhen Li, 2019. "More ties the merrier? Different social ties and firm innovation performance," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 36(2), pages 445-471, June.
    5. Hongjuan Zhang & Rong Han & Liang Wang & Runhui Lin, 2021. "Social capital in China: a systematic literature review," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 20(1), pages 32-77, February.
    6. Hongjuan Zhang & Rong Han & Liang Wang & Runhui Lin, 0. "Social capital in China: a systematic literature review," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 0, pages 1-46.
    7. Zhao, Hongxin & Lu, Jiangyong, 2016. "Contingent value of political capital in bank loan acquisition: Evidence from founder-controlled private enterprises in China," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 153-174.
    8. En Xie & Yuanyuan Huang & Hao Shen & Yu Li, 2017. "Performance implications of ties to large-scale state-owned enterprises and banks in an emerging economy," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 97-121, March.
    9. Weiqi Dai & Mingqing Liao, 2019. "Entrepreneurial attention to deregulations and reinvestments by private firms: Evidence from China," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 36(4), pages 1221-1250, December.
    10. Wang, Liwen & Sheng, Shibin & Wu, Shuilong & Zhou, Kevin Zheng, 2017. "Government role, governance mechanisms, and foreign partner opportunism in IJVs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 98-107.
    11. Jing Zhang & Justin Tan & Poh Wong, 2015. "When does investment in political ties improve firm performance? The contingent effect of innovation activities," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 32(2), pages 363-387, June.
    12. George O. White & Jean J. Boddewyn & Tazeeb Rajwani & Thomas A. Hemphill, 2018. "Regulator Vulnerabilities to Political Pressures and Political Tie Intensity: The Moderating Effects of Regulatory and Political Distance," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 58(5), pages 743-769, October.
    13. Ding, Weirong & Ding, Jieyu, 2022. "New venture's product innovativeness strategy, institutional environment and new product performance," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    14. Dan Li & Li-Qun Wei & Qing Cao & Deqiu Chen, 2022. "Informal institutions, entrepreneurs’ political participation, and venture internationalization," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 53(6), pages 1062-1090, August.
    15. Bai, Xuan & Wang, Qingtao & Sheng, Shibin & Li, Julie Juan, 2021. "Cross-level interpersonal ties and IJV innovation: Evidence from China," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 618-630.
    16. White, George O. & Boddewyn, Jean J. & Galang, Roberto Martin N., 2015. "Legal system contingencies as determinants of political tie intensity by wholly owned foreign subsidiaries: Insights from the Philippines," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 342-356.
    17. Qingqing Tang & Longwei Wang & Hao Shen, 2021. "How do SOEs and FIEs affect POEs’ performance in emerging economies? Moderating effects of managerial ties," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 38(2), pages 767-788, June.
    18. Banerjee, Shantanu & Venaik, Sunil & Brewer, Paul, 2019. "Analysing corporate political activity in MNC subsidiaries through the integration-responsiveness framework," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(5), pages 1-1.
    19. Sinkovics, Rudolf R. & Kurt, Yusuf & Sinkovics, Noemi, 2018. "The effect of matching on perceived export barriers and performance in an era of globalization discontents: Empirical evidence from UK SMEs," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(5), pages 1065-1079.
    20. Shibin Sheng & Kevin Zheng Zhou & Julie Juan Li & Zhaoyang Guo, 2018. "Institutions and opportunism in buyer–supplier exchanges: the moderated mediating effects of contractual and relational governance," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 46(6), pages 1014-1031, November.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:58:y:2018:i:6:d:10.1007_s11575-018-0370-2. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.