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Why foreign-owned firms are different: A conceptual framework and empirical evidence for Austria

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  • Pfaffermayr, Michael
  • Bellak, Christian

Abstract

This study examines performance gaps among foreign-owned and domestically- owned Austrian firms. In line with earlier findings our results suggest that the positive effects of participating in a foreign multinational's network can mainly be found in productivity and profitability. A further distinction between purely national firms and multinational enterprises (MNEs) reveals that both gaps derive from gains of MNE networks rather than from ownership per se. Regardless of ownership, MNEs are more similar than MNEs and purely national firms. Gaps concerning the investment propensity and growth are primarily explained by firm characteristics rather than foreign ownership. There is no evidence of an additional bonus resulting from closer cultural proximity of German-owned firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Pfaffermayr, Michael & Bellak, Christian, 2000. "Why foreign-owned firms are different: A conceptual framework and empirical evidence for Austria," HWWA Discussion Papers 115, Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWA).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:hwwadp:26372
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multinational Enterprises; Industry Studies; Organisation of Production Labour Productivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • L6 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business

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