THE ENVIRONMENT AND INTERNAL ORGANIZATION OF MULTINATIONAL-ENTERPRISES

Multiple sources of external authority and multiple denominations of value are two distinguishing aspects of the environment faced by multinational enterprises (MNEs). After defining the MNE as an organizational form, we examine the research implications of these two environmental influences on four aspects of MNE internal organization: modes of entry abroad. configuration of activities, coordination and control, and competitive strategy. We present general propositions to guide future research and argue that multiple sources of authority and multiple denominations of value require cross-disciplinary research efforts in order to fully understand the MNE as an organizational form.