Work

Potential and recognized boundary spanners in multinational corporations

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Boundary spanners play an important role in multinational corporations (MNC), yet it is unclear who these valuable individuals are and why certain individuals, and not others, perform this role. We advance a ‘recognition’ perspective based on whether and how relevant others on both sides on the boundary experience positive impact. A dynamic integrated mixed method analysis of 118 individuals involved in headquarters-subsidiary interactions in four MNCs, shows that only a minority are ‘recognized boundary spanners’, experienced by others to positively impact intergroup relations. We identify different categories and mechanisms of recognition, and make a methodological contribution by integrating qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Source: Journal of World Business

DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2019.05.001

Authors: Kristiina Mäkelä, Wilhelm Barner-Rasmussen, Mats Ehrnrooth, Alexei Koveshnikov

Institutions: Aalto University, Åbo Akademi University, Hanken School of Economics

Language: English

Topic: International Business and FDI

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,050

Funders: Academy of Finland, Tekes