Hinrich Voss, Peter J. Buckley and Adam R. Cross
Mainland Chinese firms have become important international investors. Many have gained their capabilities to internationalize in a domestic institutional environment characterised…
Abstract
Mainland Chinese firms have become important international investors. Many have gained their capabilities to internationalize in a domestic institutional environment characterised by significant market imperfections. In this study, we argue that the imperfections affect firm behavior depending on firm size, ownership form, and location. We find preliminary support for the notion that large, well connected Chinese firms benefit most from institutional advantages, but that smaller firms internationalize because of institutional constraints. This represents a more nuanced view of the determinants of Chinese firm internationalization than is evident in prior research, with consequences for future theorising and empirical research on Chinese MNEs.
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Joerg Dietz, Stacey R. Fitzsimmons, Zeynep Aycan, Anne Marie Francesco, Karsten Jonsen, Joyce Osland, Sonja A. Sackmann, Hyun-Jung Lee and Nakiye A. Boyacigiller
Graduates of cross-cultural management (CCM) courses should be capable of both tackling international and cross-cultural situations and creating positive value from the diversity…
Abstract
Purpose
Graduates of cross-cultural management (CCM) courses should be capable of both tackling international and cross-cultural situations and creating positive value from the diversity inherent in these situations. Such value creation is challenging because these situations are typically complex due to differences in cultural values, traditions, social practices, and institutions, such as legal rules, coupled with variation in, for example, wealth and civil rights among stakeholders. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors argue that a scientific mindfulness approach to teaching CCM can help students identify and leverage positive aspects of differences and thereby contribute to positive change in cross-cultural situations.
Findings
Scientific mindfulness combines mindfulness and scientific thinking with the explicit goal to drive positive change in the world.
Originality/value
The authors explain how the action principles of scientific mindfulness enable learners to build positive value from cultural diversity. The authors then describe how to enact these principles in the context of CCM education.
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This study investigates the way in which acquisition-related human factors affect knowledge transfer in the context of Chinese cross-border M&A for strategic assets. The authors…
Abstract
This study investigates the way in which acquisition-related human factors affect knowledge transfer in the context of Chinese cross-border M&A for strategic assets. The authors find that the process of knowledge transfer is reciprocal for revenue and cost synergies, including explicit and tacit knowledge. The establishment of joint ventures (JV) in China after the takeover boosts product-oriented knowledge transfer from overseas-acquired firms in mature markets to Chinese acquirers. The promotion of overseas synergies stimulates complementary knowledge transfer flow, which is reversely transferred from Chinese acquirers to overseas-acquired subsidiaries such as low-saving sourcing and new market applications. This study identifies three acquisition-related human factors that impact overseas knowledge senders for knowledge transfer. These human factors are implemented by Chinese strategic investors as new shareholders during the loosen integration phase. The first facilitator is all-round communication programs with top management involvement, aiming to build up constructive communication channels to boost knowledge transfer. The second facilitator is competence-based trust, which stimulates cooperation and application based on similar professional competence between Chinese acquirers and their overseas-acquired subsidiaries. The impeder is a high turnover of key skilled workers at Chinese acquirers to undermine the effectiveness of knowledge transfer.
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THE annual election of the Library Association Council for 1946 is over. Of course, only a small part of the Council has been before the electors. The results follow an…
Abstract
THE annual election of the Library Association Council for 1946 is over. Of course, only a small part of the Council has been before the electors. The results follow an old‐established precedent, but are nevertheless curious. Why is it that country members seem not to be interested in their selection of candidates who come from the metropolitan area? There were two to be elected for London and those successful were Frank M. Gardner with 572 and Captain Richard Wright with 501 votes; there were five Country Councillors required and Miss M. F. Austin (854) and Messrs. W. A. Munford (831), F. G. B. Hutchings (817), E. Wisker (716) and E. Osborne (601) were elected. Besides the London candidates who were successful by ballot, Mr. W. B. Stevenson (447) and Mr. E. Sydney (360) will serve on the Council for shorter periods in the room of Mr. J. D. Stewart and S/Ldr. J. D. Cowley. It will therefore be seen that there is considerable disparity in the voting for the two parts of the Council. As we say, this is rather curious as it follows a long established tradition. The new members are Mr. Gardner, Mr. Stevenson, Miss Austin, Mr. Munford and Mr. Wisker; this appears to us to be a very interesting and useful team. They have already shown by definite work, mostly in the A.A.L., that they are qualified leaders amongst the younger librarians. We wish them good fortune in the carrying out of their part in the reconstruction period ahead.
James W. Gabberty and Jennifer D.E. Thomas
This paper examines the depth, erudition, and rigor of contemporary research on knowledge management as a causal factor that influences the ultimate outcome of multinational…
Abstract
This paper examines the depth, erudition, and rigor of contemporary research on knowledge management as a causal factor that influences the ultimate outcome of multinational corporation (MNC) expansion, bounded by the confines of information and communication technology (ICT) competences identified as behavioral, business, and technological. Through discussion highlighting the dominant knowledge management (KM) research themes within the milieu of the global firm, readers will gain definitive and practical insight into relevant topics that may be used to stimulate development of growth strategies for the firm.
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Deborah Mifsud, Maria Attard and Stephen Ison
Old age is a complex and dynamic phenomenon. The relationship between old age and transport is also very complex due to the heterogeneity within this age group. Yet what is…
Abstract
Old age is a complex and dynamic phenomenon. The relationship between old age and transport is also very complex due to the heterogeneity within this age group. Yet what is certain is that with age, a person’s functional abilities change. This chapter provides a summary of how older people can be vulnerable within the road environment. Using an established framework for understanding old-age vulnerabilities, this chapter explains the common exposure factors and threats that several older people face in the transport environment. These primarily deal with individual physical and cognitive characteristics, medical conditions as well as the appropriateness (or not) of infrastructure. Subsequently, common difficulties for older drivers, pedestrians and public transport users are discussed. The main vulnerabilities that result from such difficulties are related to an over-representation of older people in accidents and to a lower quality of life due to mobility inefficiencies. Yet, using the same framework, the compensation techniques that older people often adopt to minimise such limitations are also highlighted. Reference is also made to the issues related to the lack of awareness in old age and the corresponding inability to compensate. The review concludes by suggesting a way forward for further studies on transport vulnerability in later life.
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TO check the suitability of a given strut cross‐section, for a given length and safe concentric working load, is a simple matter provided that a working stress curve or formula is…
Abstract
TO check the suitability of a given strut cross‐section, for a given length and safe concentric working load, is a simple matter provided that a working stress curve or formula is available, but the reverse process of obtaining a suitable cross‐section, for a given length and load is under normal circumstances a tedious trial and error task, unless comprehensive tables of the properties of the required section arc available. The author's method permits a very close first approximation to be obtained, which is frequently sufficiently accurate to enable the required cross‐section to be laid out without further trial.
The use of competitor analysis is a rapidly growing area of business activity, especially among major corporations, across the world. The old military stratagem “know your enemy;…
Abstract
The use of competitor analysis is a rapidly growing area of business activity, especially among major corporations, across the world. The old military stratagem “know your enemy; through knowing your enemy you can beat him/her”, has found new life in the contemporary business environment. Surveys carried out in Europe and the USA in 1989 found that two‐thirds of competitor analysis departments were less than three years old. Competitor analysis is becoming increasingly seen as a key component in strategy formulation, in particular, in forming marketing strategy.
THIS month the President of the Library Association for 1946 leaves his office. It was notable in the first place for his Inaugural at Birmingham in February, where the Lord Mayor…
Abstract
THIS month the President of the Library Association for 1946 leaves his office. It was notable in the first place for his Inaugural at Birmingham in February, where the Lord Mayor and distinguished public men of Birmingham joined with the Association to do honour to Mr. Cashmore. He has presided throughout the year at the Council meetings with conspicuous success; he has made journeys to Switzerland and France, the most recent being the U.N.E.S.C.O. meeting there. He has attended many Association meetings, addressed many public gatherings at libraries, has served on several enquiries, and been the representative of his libraries at several important conferences. He has found time to address library schools, to carry on considerable correspondence and, in general, to sustain on the best level the tradition of the Presidency. As he is very near retirement into private life—his successor at Birmingham has been appointed—the good wishes of our readers will be joined with those of the many library workers for his future.