The influence of multinational enterprises on subsidiaries: context matters

Egbe, I., Adegbite, E. and Yekini, Kemi C. (2018) The influence of multinational enterprises on subsidiaries: context matters. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 31 (2). pp. 703-724. ISSN 0951-3574

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Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines how differences in the institutional environment of a multinational enterprise (MNE) shape the role of management control systems (MCSs) and social capital in the headquarters-subsidiary relationship of an emerging economy MNE.

Design/methodology/approach: A case study design was adopted in this research. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews, document analysis and observations. Interviews were conducted at the Nigerian headquarter (HQ) and United Kingdom (UK) subsidiary of the Nigerian multinational enterprise.

Findings: The study found that the subsidiary operated autonomously, given its residence in a stronger institutional environment than the HQ. Instead of the HQ depending on MCSs as a means of coordination and control, it relied on social capital that existed between the HQ and the subsidiary to coordinate and integrate the operation of the foreign subsidiary studied.

Originality/value: The reliance on social capital as a means of coordination and control of the foreign subsidiary in this study is significant, given that previous studies have indicated that multinational HQs normally employ MCSs as a means of control of foreign subsidiaries. Also, while previous studies have suggested that MNEs HQs have better expertise which enables them to design and transfer MCSs to foreign subsidiaries, this study found that such expertise relates to the institutional environment from which the HQ is operating from. Through the lens of institutional sociology theory and social capital theory, these findings directly contribute to the literature on the transference of practices and control systems in accounting and international business literatures.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/908415
Keywords: Emerging multinational enterprises; Multinational enterprises; Management control systems; Social capital; New institutional sociology; Headquarter-subsidiary relationship
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Social Sciences > Nottingham University Business School
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-06-2016-2608
Depositing User: Eprints, Support
Date Deposited: 07 Dec 2017 14:45
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 19:29
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/48608

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