Information Technologies and the Future of the Multinational Enterprise

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

5-2010

Abstract

In this paper, we highlight the pervasive influence of information technologies on multinational enterprise (MNE) operations, strategies and structures. The democratization of information technologies has diminished geographic distance and compressed response times for MNEs. In turn, this has led to an increased and simultaneous emphasis on both global efficiencies and local responsiveness. We explore the consequences of this change in emphasis for MNE strategic and structural orientations as established by Bartlett and Ghoshal's typology of MNE strategies. Our conclusion is that the distinctions between the four strategic orientations are becoming increasingly blurred and MNE structures are becoming more organic in nature. In addition to discussing these changes, we also highlight emerging challenges that MNEs face in an increasingly borderless, time compressed world.

Discipline

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | Management Information Systems

Research Areas

Operations Management

Publication

Journal of International Management

Volume

11

Issue

2

First Page

143

Last Page

161

ISSN

1075-4253

Identifier

10.1016/j.intman.2005.03.005

Publisher

Elsevier

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