This thesis aims to clarify the issue of local embeddedness with regard to TNCs and to understand the process of TNCs&rsquo / local embeddedness in the Turkish case. In order to reach this aim a methodology is utilized by combination of qualitative and quantitative data analyses in different level analyses. Since, embeddedness is a process that begins locational preferences of TNCs, the first level analyses are concentrated on locational distribution on national and city level analyses. Then, deep&amp / #8208 / interviews are held by TNCs in istanbul to identify other qualitative variables affecting local embeddedness of TNCs. As a conclusion, local embeddedness process of TNCs in Turkey is realized in a slightly different path from developed countries. Some of the deficiencies in Turkey, like strong institutional structure, are the main reasons for these differences. To turn the situation for Turkey&rsquo / s advantage it is essential that required conditions for local embeddedness should be supplied.

This dissertation investigates the factors that influence the learning of subsidiaries from their local environment and the sequential knowledge outflow from the subsidiaries. Scholars have recognized the ability to learn from diverse local environments as a critical source of competitive advantage for multinational corporations (MNCs). However, the factors influencing the extent to which MNCs learn from local environments in order to develop innovative capabilities have not been well understood. Considering the complexity of institutional environments faced by subsidiaries, this dissertation explores cross-level factors that influence subsidiary learning from diverse local environments. At interface levels, a subsidiary's local embeddedness and its learning strategy influence the awareness of local strategic knowledge by the subsidiary. At context levels, local market competition and corporate entrepreneurial culture affect the motivation of a subsidiary to learn from diverse local environments. Finally at subsidiary level, top management team heterogeneity impacts the capability of a subsidiary to learn. This dissertation applies both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Multiple-case studies provide rich details, while survey research tests the generalizability of the proposed conceptual model. Overall, the empirical evidence supports the impact of local embeddedness, learning strategy and corporate entrepreneurial culture on subsidiary learning, and in turn, on knowledge outflow. The impact of top management team heterogeneity turns insignificant upon the simultaneous inclusion of all other factors. The influence of local competition is absent. The control variables include size, technology resources, and internationalization. This dissertation contributes to both MNC and organizational learning literature. The major contribution to MNC literature is the advancement of the understanding of knowledge acquisition and creation of MNCs by learning from the local environment. The cross-level approach with subsidiary as the unit of analysis provides a unique perspective. The major contribution of this dissertation to organizational learning literature lies in the development of a learning framework, and its application to MNC context with empirical tests. This dissertation presents potentials to advance the local responsiveness-global integration framework with a knowledge-based view. / Ph. D.