Theories of the Multinational Enterprise: Diversity, Complexity and Relevance

Abstract

A critical survey is presented of some of the theories that have been used to explain why multinational enterprises (MNEs) exist, with special emphasis on the transaction costs/internalization approach. The first part of the chapter discusses early capital flow and industrial organization theories in the evolution of the MNE. The second part focuses on transaction costs/internalization theories, which are now dominant theories of the MNE.