Russian MNEs Under Sanctions: Challenges for Upgrading in GVCs (Cases of Energy and IT Industries)

Abstract

The article examines upgrading strategies of Russian multinational enterprises (MNEs) under sanctions. We focus on MNEs from energy and information technology industries. Four types of global value chain (GVC) upgrading strategies (process, product, functional, and chain upgrading) are discussed. The paper is based on the case study research. The research questions address the influence of sanctions on Russian MNEs’ upgrading strategies in GVCs and the role of import substitution policies for companies’ upgrading. Research findings show that at microlevel, sanctions do not prevent implementation of upgrading strategies. Import substitution policies provide additional support for MNEs upgrading in GVCs.     

中国农村非正规金融的根源与管制政策研究

中国农村非正规金融的根源在于人们的需求,它不仅对中国农村社会文化具有很强的嵌入性,而且与农村社会秩序具有很好的匹配性。因此农村非正规金融具有极强的自生能力和可持续性。结论的政策涵义是：压制、取缔非正规金融的行为不可取,强制性地将非正规金融正规化的行为同样不可取,正确的做法应是放松管制,引导正规金融与非正规金融的联接,促成农村一体化金融市场的形成。     

As Different as Chalk and Cheese? The Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Orientation and SMEs’ Growth: Evidence from Russia and Finland

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and firm growth and the moderating role of business environment for Russian and Finnish small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For hypothesis testing, structural equation modeling is applied to the data set of 104 Russian and 117 Finnish privately owned SMEs. Results show that while in the Finnish market context EO dimensions are directly associated with firm growth, in the emerging Russian market the relationship is moderated by the dynamic and hostile environment. The results also provide evidence of the nature of EO for SMEs operating in Russia.     

Research on emerging-market multinational enterprises: Extending Alan Rugman’s critical contributions

We summarize Rugman’s contributions to the literature on emerging-market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) and propose directions to extend his work. We first review his work, where he extended his early research on international business theories to understand the nature, positioning, and activities of EMNEs. EMNEs typically exhibit home-based firm-specific advantages (FSAs) yet lack host-based and non-location-bound FSAs. Most of their sales or assets are focused on the domestic market. Given that the goals of EMNEs may conflict with or complement those of their home or host governments, EMNEs either receive government support or face regulatory barriers. We propose several directions for further research: investigating the mechanisms (e.g., international acquisitions) through which EMNEs develop strong FSAs, exploring the strategy and performance of state-owned EMNEs (vs. private EMNEs), and constructing comprehensive datasets to test the strategy and performance of EMNEs.     

Co-evolution of emerging economy MNEs and institutions: A literature review

This paper provides a review of the existing literature about the co-evolution of emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs) and institutions and proposes directions for future study. We find that many existing studies involving the institution-EMNE relationship focus on the impact of institutions on EMNEs, and the research on their co-evolution is very limited in terms of emerging economies involved and theories and research methods applied. Given varieties of the institution-EMNE relationship we call for more studies by applying more contextualized theoretical perspectives and innovative and multiple research methods to advance our knowledge about the topic.     

我国中小企业国际化经营起步问题分析

加入WTO后过渡期的结束,以及经济全球化程度加剧,许许多多的中国中小企业主动或被动地被挤进了经济全球化这辆战车。中小企业对国民经济的作用是巨大的,但在经济转型过程中,面临着内外宏微观的问题。他们当中的许多正在国际化经营——这一西方理论深入研究的领域中探索。分析中小企业当前的国际化经营起步问题对中小企业国际化经营具有重大战略意义。     

我国欠发达地区逆向物流管制政策研究

逆向物流属于循环利用经济,我国欠发达地区应该把经济发展和实施逆向物流协同推进,这就需要政府制定相关管制政策予以保证。本文通过构建欠发达地区逆向物流管制政策体系,从可执行度、保证政策执行的工具、企业接受程度、政策执行可能效果四个方面比较分析逆向物流管制政策可行性,从而得出承担社会责任供需网组织逆向物流管制政策具有一定优势,并将带来较好宏微观效应的结论。     

Financial services spillover effects on informal economic activity: evidence from a panel of 20 European countries

ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate the spillover effects of the financial services sector development on the size of informal economic activity in the case of the European Union (EU) countries. The results from panel data analysis show that there exists an inverted U-shaped relationship between financial services and informal economic activity in the EU; that is, at the initial levels of the financial development, the reaction of informal economic activity is positive while it becomes negative at the further stages of the financial development in the EU. Thus, this study finds that financial services sector is a major contributor to changes in the volume of informal economic activity in the EU countries.     

What drives new product innovation in China? An integrative strategy tripod approach

This study explores the determinants that drive new product innovation by employing the integrative strategy tripod approach. We analyze data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey on 1,692 manufacturing firms in China using a novel methodological approach (a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis) that focuses on multiple conjectural causations. Interestingly, our findings suggest that R&D investment alone is not a sufficient condition to facilitate a firm's product innovation, but stable government policy is a necessary condition for R&D investment. Even with a low level of R&D investments, it can achieve innovation if those investments are made in conjunction with high technology information system investments for supporting customer relationships. Finally, we find that when firms perceive informal competition to be a significant obstacle to their operations and R&D investment, they tend to engage in corrupt actions to create innovation. Implications for research and practice are provided.     

Drivers of Environmental Behaviour in Manufacturing SMEs and the Implications for CSR

The authors use empirical research into the environmental practices of 31 manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to show that ‚business performance’ and ‚regulation’ considerations drive behaviour. They suggest that this is inevitable, given the market-based decision-making frames that permeate and dominate the industry in which manufacturing SMEs operate. Since the environment is a pillar of corporate social responsibility (CSR), the findings have important implications for CSR policy, which promotes voluntary actions predicated on a business case. It is argued that this approach will not alter the behaviour of manufacturing SMEs significantly because CSR practice will be regarded as an optional and costly ‚extra’ affecting core business activity. Consequently, the use and development of existing regulatory structures, providing minimum standards for many activities covered by CSR, remains the most effective means through which the behaviour of manufacturing SMEs will be changed in the short to medium-term. Another feature of the paper is the distinction made between ‚business performance’ and the ‚business case’ argument. Business performance emphasises cost reductions and efficiency whereas the business case accentuates the benefits to shareholders of good practices as their firms become more attractive to stakeholders and society. Manufacturing SMEs␣try to improve business performance because of the pressures placed on them by market-dominated decision-making frames. These frames do not encourage manufacturing SMEs to undertake voluntary actions for the benefit of wider stakeholders and society.David Williamson is Senior Research Fellow in the area of Corporate and Environmental Responsibility at the School of Law, University of Manchester, UK. He has conducted extensive empirical studies into, and written papers on, the environmental behaviour of small and medium sized enterprises. He is also Chair of INDECO, a national body that coordinates sustainable development work on business parks.Gary Lynch-Wood is a Lecturer at the School of Law, University of Manchester, UK. His research focuses on regulation, particularly the impact that regulation has on small and medium-sized enterprises. He teaches a variety of subjects including regulation, environmental law, corporate responsibility and legal methods. He was a Director of the Centre for Research into Corporate Responsibility and the Environment prior to his move to the University of Manchester. John Ramsay is a Reader at the School of Business and Law, Staffordshire University, UK. He has had a number of careers including a decade spent working in the Purchasing Function of a large British component supplier to the European car industry. He teaches a variety of subjects including South East Asian economic development and Negotiation. He is widely published in the Purchasing field with practitioner papers dating back to the 1970s when he was junior buyer, developing in more recent years into academic work in his research area of Buyer–supplier interaction.     

Values Versus Regulations: How Culture Plays Its Role

This study examines the impact of culture on regulation and corruption. Our empirical results suggest that cultural values have significant effects on countries’ regulatory policies, levels of corruption, and economic development. Contrary to the conclusions drawn by others, this study shows no significant relationship between the regulatory policies of countries and their perceived levels of corruption. Thus, evidence of the “public choice view” toward entry regulation derived in related studies seems to be at least attenuated. Dr. Runtian Jing is a Professor and Vice Dean of the School of Management, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. John L. Graham is Professor of International Business, The Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine.     

Business in the urban informal economy: barriers to women’s entrepreneurship in Uganda

Abstract

Business in the urban informal economy can be seen as a challenging terrain with enormous hurdles for women entrepreneurs. This paper explores major barriers that obstruct smooth development of women entrepreneurship in Uganda’s urban informal economy. The study provides some useful academic insights and offers some practical suggestions for improving policy for women entrepreneurs. The value of this research lies in providing significant insights related to the initiation of policies and programs for entrepreneurship development, but also in increasing women’s involvement in the urban informal economy through a better understanding of the gender-based barriers to entrepreneurship. It is hoped that the study will influence business development in the urban informal economies of Uganda in particular, and Africa in general.     

Consumer Product Redistribution

Abstract

Formats for product redistribution are emerging and evolving, creating alternative channel options for consumers' disposition of unwanted possessions. These retail formats operate in both informal (e.g., garage sales) and formal (online auctions) economies. As consumers participate in redistribution channels, some retailers are confronted with new competition and the potential for declining sales. This article expands on both recycling and disposition literature by examining consumer disposition behavior and the flow of used products through various redistribution channels. Strategies are offered to address consumer disposition behaviors as well as to assist retailers in combating traditional and non-traditional competition.