Configurations of Strategy and Structure in Subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations

Julian M. Birkinshaw, Allen J. Morrison

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

567 Scopus citations

Abstract

A three-fold typology of subsidiary roles (world mandate, specialized contributor, local implementer) was induced from the literature and its empirical validity was confirmed. Adopting a configurational approach, we then explored the ways in which subsidiary ‘structural context’ varies across subsidiary role types. Structural context characteristics were determined through a discussion of the underlying principles of the ‘hierarchy’ and ‘heterarchy’ models of multinational organization. The key findings were: (a) higher strategic autonomy in world mandates than in local implementers; (b) a more internationally configured value-chain in world mandates and specialized contributors than local implementers; (c) lower levels of internal product flows in world mandates than the other two types; and (d) a significantly lower performance in specialized contributors. Implications for a configurational model of subsidiary management, and for heterarchy as a higher level conceptualization, are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)729-753
Number of pages25
JournalJournal of International Business Studies
Volume26
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business and International Management
  • General Business, Management and Accounting
  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Strategy and Management
  • Management of Technology and Innovation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Configurations of Strategy and Structure in Subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this