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A Set of Motives to Unite Them All? Revisiting the Principles and Typology of MNE Motives

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  • Alvaro Cuervo-Cazzura

    (Northeastern University, USA)

  • Rajneesh Narula

    (Henley Business School University of Reading RG6 6UD UK)

Abstract

We reflect on the background and evolution of the internationalization motives over the last few decades, and provide suggestions for how to use the motives for future analyses. We also reflect on the contributions to the debate of the accompanying articles of the forum. There continue to be new developments in the way in which firms organize themselves as MNEs and this implies that the 'classic' motives originally introduced by Dunning in 1993 need to be revisited. Dunning's motives and arguments were deductive and atheoretical, and were intended to be used as a toolkit, used in conjunction with other theories and frameworks. They are not an alternative to a classification of possible MNE strategies. This paper provides a deeper and nuanced understanding on internationalization motives for future research to build on.

Suggested Citation

  • Alvaro Cuervo-Cazzura & Rajneesh Narula, 2015. "A Set of Motives to Unite Them All? Revisiting the Principles and Typology of MNE Motives," John H Dunning Centre for International Business Discussion Papers jhd-dp2015-03, Henley Business School, University of Reading.
    • Handle: RePEc:rdg:jhdxdp:jhd-dp2015-03
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luo, Yadong & Xue, Qiuzhi & Han, Binjie, 2010. "How emerging market governments promote outward FDI: Experience from China," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 68-79, January.
    2. Rajneesh Narula & John Dunning, 2010. "Multinational Enterprises, Development and Globalization: Some Clarifications and a Research Agenda," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(3), pages 263-287.
    3. Tina C Ambos & Ulf Andersson & Julian Birkinshaw, 2010. "What are the consequences of initiative-taking in multinational subsidiaries?," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 41(7), pages 1099-1118, September.
    4. Rajneesh Narula & John Dunning, 2000. "Industrial Development, Globalization and Multinational Enterprises: New Realities for Developing Countries," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(2), pages 141-167.
    5. John H. Dunning & Sarianna M. Lundan, 2008. "Multinational Enterprises and the Global Economy, Second Edition," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 3215.
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    Keywords

    Internationalization; motives; multinational companies;
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