Country-and firm-specific positions of different multinational enterprises: who is having what?

Abstract

This paper investigated country- and firm-specific positions of different MNE (multinational enterprises) types. A matrix has been developed based on the country- and firm-specific positions. Then, we have carried out 20 case studies and identified their positions in our matrix. Based on our findings we have installed five key propositions. Those propositions suggest that MNEs are more equipped with Firm-Specific Advantages (FSAs) whereas Emerging Market Multinationals (EMMs) have more Country-Specific Advantages (CSAs). MNEs are mostly persistent dominators and potential dictators and EMMs are mainly emerging operators and regional players. Finally, Micro Multinational Enterprises (mMNEs) are low on both CSA and FSA and they are mostly operation consolidators.