Researching the multinational corporation: contributions of critical realist ethnography

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the contributions that critical realist ethnographies can make to an understanding of the multinational corporation. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on a discussion of methodological challenges in researching the multinational corporation and the ways in which critical realist ethnographies can respond to these challenges. The example of research on the transfer of management practices is used to illustrate this. Findings Taking the example of researching the transfer of management practices within the multinational, the paper argues that the potential of critical realist ethnography including critical realist global ethnography to contribute to the field of International Business and International Management remains relatively untapped. Research limitations/implications Adopting the sociological imagination of the critical realist ethnographer has implications for the kinds of questions that are asked by the researcher and the ways in which we seek to address these methodologically. Researching from a critical standpoint fruitful empirical themes for further research relate to the experience of change for example in business systems, internationalization of organizations and “globalization”. Practical implications The critical realist ethnographer can contribute insights into the complex social and political processes within the multinational and provide insights into how social structures are both impacting on and impacted by individuals and groups. Ethnographic research located within a critical realist framework has the potential to address questions of how stability and change take place within specific structural, cultural and power relations. Originality/value At the methodological level, this paper highlights the potential of critical realist ethnography in researching the multinational, in addressing significant questions facing the critical researcher and in gaining a privileged insight into the lived experience of globalization.

Responding to organizational identity change: ethnographic insights from multinational hotel subsidiaries

“…Extending these methods to the context of MNCs, ethnography provides the ability to observe the process of how management practices are transferred across countries. Focusing on people and cultures can elucidate conflicting processes between headquarters and subsidiaries (Sharpe, 2018). Furthermore, through observing internal organization, informal processes that are often downplayed within MNCs can be exposed (Mahadevan, 2020).…”

International entrepreneurial capabilities: The role of networks in the small multinational enterprise

“…Critical realism is best suited to clearly bounded but complex phenomena (Easton 2010) and thus enabled the exploration of international entrepreneurial capabilities within the context of the sMNE. Research from a critical realist perspective requires a sensitivity to process (Sharpe 2018). In adopting a critical realist approach in this thesis, the author sought explanation of how the different international entrepreneurial capabilities were manifested in the behaviours of actors in the sMNE.…”

“…In this thesis a critical realist methodology is employed on a case study of a sMNE. This approach was adopted because it allowed the exploration beyond and below the surface appearance of organisational strategies and practices (Sharpe 2018) to explain how individuals, structures and firm level behaviours impact on international corporate entrepreneurial outcomes. As a way of introducing the critical realist approach adopted in this thesis, Figure 4.1 represents the structure of causal explanation used in this case study research, demonstrating the main theoretical insights used in seeking to explain how international entrepreneurial capabilities and networks influence international corporate venturing, innovation and international strategic renewal.…”

“…Case studies have successfully been used in a range of qualitative international business studies (Piekkari, et al 2009); empirical observations of case firms were used in seminal internationalisation process research (Johanson and Vahlne 1977;Johanson and Vahlne 2003;Johanson and Vahlne 2009). Within the field of international entrepreneurship case study research has shown to be a useful approach in exploring MNE activity and networks (Ghoshal and Barlett 1988;Coviello and Munro 1997;Coviello 2006;Birkinshaw, et al 2005;Harris and Wheeler 2005;Sigfusson and Harris 2012;Moensted 2010;.…”

“…The rich tapestry of interdependent criteria evident in international entrepreneurial capabilities and networks of the sMNE allows for a deep investigation of causal influences on international entrepreneurial outcomes. International business scholars engaged in critical realist studies of the MNE, suggest experiences of change can further the international business and critical realist field (Sharpe 2018). This study in part addresses this call, by exploring international entrepreneurial activities of the sMNE, the networks used and the actors involved to create new international corporate entrepreneurial outcomes.…”