MNCs’ open international strategy–local dynamics: transfer of German “vocational education and training” to emerging economies
Critical Perspectives on International Business
ISSN: 1742-2043
Article publication date: 24 September 2020
Issue publication date: 28 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine multinational companies’ (MNCs) international transfer strategies of German vocational education and training (VET) and examines the dynamics in the subsidiaries.
Design/methodology/approach
Methodologically, the study is based on expert interviews conducted in German headquarters. To complete the picture, the study also includes insights from expert interviews in subsidiaries in Mexico, India and China.
Findings
There is a mix of country-of-origin and geocentric strategic orientation. VET is “boiled down” and adapted in its contents, but headquarters and expats maintain the spirit of VET, i.e. its national agenda of technical hands-on competencies and pedagogical competencies. To achieve this MNCs introduce general guidelines. Convincing takes place by means of role models.
Research limitations/implications
The effects in the emerging economies differ regionally; these regional differences are not the subject of this contribution.
Practical implications
VET transfer comprises the implementation of its core spirit which produces participatory and emancipatory dynamics.
Social implications
Intercultural learning has to be sensitive to such dynamics.
Originality/value
The study contributes to research on international strategies of MNCs, focussing on skill development of the blue-collar study.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author gratefully acknowledge the support of the research project “Global strategies and local forms of technical vocational education and training in German multinational companies: A regional comparison in Emerging Economies” by the German Scientific Foundation (Grant No. FU 424/16-1 and PI 418/5-1). My gratitude goes to my co-researchers in this project, Matthias Pilz and Kristina Wiemann from business education and Judith Wiemann who worked with me on the perspective of economic geography. I thank the anonymous reviewers for their comments. I also thank Kira Gee for language editing.
Citation
Fuchs, M. (2022), "MNCs’ open international strategy–local dynamics: transfer of German “vocational education and training” to emerging economies", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 97-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/cpoib-12-2019-0106
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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