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Organizational Challenges of Multinational Corporations at the Base of the Pyramid: An Action-research Inquiry

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  • François Perrot

    (X - École polytechnique - IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris)

Abstract

To what extent and how does a multinational corporation adapt its strategy and organizational capabilities in order to address markets at the Base of the Pyramid? This paper builds on the results of a three-year action-research program conducted with Lafarge, a global building materials company and introduces a strategic framework which opposes two types of approaches of such markets: a licence-to-operate approach, and a business opportunityseeking approach. The article analyzes how the company moved from the first to the second approach and discusses the implications in terms of organizational capabilities of with each approach.

Suggested Citation

  • François Perrot, 2013. "Organizational Challenges of Multinational Corporations at the Base of the Pyramid: An Action-research Inquiry," Working Papers hal-00771299, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-00771299
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-00771299
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Daniel A. Levinthal & James G. March, 1993. "The myopia of learning," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 14(S2), pages 95-112, December.
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    6. Patricia Crifo & Jean-Pierre Ponssard, 2010. "Corporate Social Responsibility: From Compliance to Opportunity?," Post-Print hal-00512337, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas André & Jean-Pierre Ponssard, 2015. "Managing Base of the Pyramid as a Business Opportunity : A Longitudinal Field Study," Working Papers hal-01221651, HAL.
    2. Sjauw-Koen-Fa, August R. & Blok, Vincent & Omta, S.W.F. (Onno), 2016. "Critical Success Factors for Smallholder Inclusion in High Value-Adding Supply Chains by Food & Agribusiness Multinational Enterprise," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 19(1), pages 1-30, February.

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    Keywords

    Base of the Pyramid; Multinational Corporation; Action-research;
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