The aim of the thesis is to provide a deeper understanding regarding how the phenomenon Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) affects Swedish multinational corporations (MNCs), in relation to competitive advantage in the Chinese market. The research demonstrates the relevance of investigating the topic, as the aspects of CSR are interchanging. The reviewed literature highlights aspects incorporated in the phenomenon, as well as internationalization, strategy and competitive advantage. In addition, the three dimensions of CSR: economic, environmental and social, are considered fundamental pillars in the analysis of sustainable business behavior. The research is conducted through an explanatory nature, in order to comprehensively describe the included variables and their correlation, the connection is further shown in the conceptual framework, established with the literature review as a basis. The implementation of a qualitative research method ensures an in-depth perspective of the participants’ perceptions and experiences. For the empirical findings, four Swedish MNCs active in the Chinese market are interviewed regarding their CSR initiatives, in order to provide a meaningful insight for the analysis. The analysis of the thesis involves a discussion of the similarities, and also the differences, between the literature review and empirical findings, in accordance to the conceptual framework. Following, the conclusion will answer the research question and provide implications, as well as suggestions for further research. The purpose of study is to further close the research gap regarding the relation between Swedish CSR initiatives and competitive advantage in the Chinese market.

Ces dernières années, les fusions et acquisitions transfrontalières réalisées par les entreprises chinoises en Europe et en Amérique du Nord se sont développées et ont attiré l’attention des chercheurs. Cependant, il existe peu de recherches se concentrant sur leurs motivations, leur performance et leurs déterminants. Ainsi, l’objectif de cette thèse est d’analyser les opérations annoncées ou réalisées en Europe et en Amérique du Nord entre 2002 et 2012, afin de (1) comprendre les motivations des entreprises en croissance, (2) de déterminer si ces opérations créent de la valeur pour les actionnaires et (3) d’identifier les déterminants de la création/destruction de valeur. Pour ce faire, nous avons utilisé trois méthodes : (1) l’analyse des déclarations d’acquisitions faites par les entreprises chinoises, (2) le calcul de rendements anormaux (AAR, ACAR, CAR) via plusieurs études d’évènements, (3) l’élaboration d’un modèle d’identification des déterminants de la création/destruction de valeur. Les opérations analysées ont été réalisées par des entreprises cotées aux bourses de Shanghai, Shenzhen et Hongkong. Des données supplémentaires ont été tirées de la base de données « Zephyr ». Au total, 93 opérations ont été analysées. Les résultats confirment les résultats antérieurement identifiés pour les acquéreurs occidentaux, étendant ainsi les théories des F&A aux opérateurs chinois. Malgré la différence de structure de propriété (contrôle par l’Etat), les FMN chinoises ont un niveau de performance comparable à leurs homologues occidentaux privés lorsqu’elles réalisent des opérations de F&A. / In recent years, the cross-border mergers and acquisitions by Chinese companies in Europe and North America are developing and have attracted the attention of researchers. However, there is few research focusing on their motivations, their performance and their determinants. Thus, the objective of this thesis is to analyze the transactions announced or completed in Europe and North America between 2002 and 2012, (1) to understand the motivations of growing companies, (2) to know whether these operations create value for shareholders and (3) to identify the determinants of the creation / destruction of value.To do this, we used three methods: (1) analysis of acquisitions statements made by Chinese companies, (2) the calculation of abnormal returns (AAR ACAR CAR) via several events studies (3) development of a model to identify the determinants of the creation / destruction of value. The operations were made by Chinese listed companies in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong stock exchanges. Additional data were obtained from the database "Zephyr." A total 93 operations were analyzed. The results confirm the previously identified results for western acquirers. Despite the difference in ownership structure (state control), Chinese MNCs have a level of performance comparable to their private western counterparts when they carry out operations of M & A.

Background: Globalization, technological advancement and opportunity of capturing new markets have pushed business organizations to expand their business in the inter- national market. As a result, companies have established their subsidiaries in the host country and control their business from headquarters. Moreover, headquarters provide all the support such as training, strategies and knowledge to their subsidiary to perform better and help to build competitive advantage. The importance of knowledge transfer has increased in recent decades because knowledge is considered as an asset. Aim: The aim of the study is to analysis the method of knowledge transfer (explicit and tacit) from multinational companies headquarter to their subsidiaries. Methodology: In this paper, qualitative research approach has been followed with con- tent analysis technique. Primary data has been collected through interviews and Conve- nience sampling technique were used. Findings: Findings of the study shows that MNCs are using agency theory and knowl- edge base theory to transfer knowledge to their subsidiary. Most of the cases it has been observed that headquarters appeared as a knowledge creator whereas subsidiaries only utilize that knowledge. Moreover, manufacturing based companies transfer more explicit knowledge and service based companies transfer more tacit knowledge. Almost every MNCs use training, seminars, creating social groups and written instructions to transfer explicit and tacit knowledge to their subsidiaries. Study also found that there are some internal (hoarding behavior, non-invented here syndrome) and external factors (culture, language, location) which affect the knowledge transfer process of MNCs. Contribution of the study: This study will help managers around the world to under- stand the core concept of knowledge transfer, knowledge transfer method and factors affecting knowledge transfer. On the other hand, it will also help to design flawless channels to transfer knowledge. Scope of further studies: More interviews can be added including managers from the subsidiaries to get a more broader perspective. Also the studies can be done with com- paring different industries since knowledge is different depending on the industry. For example, the service Industry has more tacit knowledge than in the manufacturing indus- try.

The global pharmaceutical industry is a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment, defined by rigorous regulations and a constant need for new discoveries and developments. Pharmaceutical MNCs operate in a variety of legal and cultural contexts, making it crucial for them to possess a thorough understanding of local laws and customs to ensure regulatory compliance and long-term business sustainability. The combination of a strong economy, a robust research and development infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce has positioned Sweden as an appealing destination for pharmaceutical MNCs seeking to expand their global presence. This thesis investigates the impact of Swedish labour law, specifically the Co-Determination Act (MBL) and the Employment Protection Act (LAS), on multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in Sweden. Through a qualitative study incorporating semi-structured interviews with HR directors from two leading pharmaceutical MNCs and legal experts from two corporate law firms, the study explores how these regulations influence operational strategies, decision-making processes, and human resource management practices. The findings highlight the complexities MNCs face in complying with MBL and LAS, including extended decision-making timelines and challenges with employee retention and termination due to the “last in, first out” principle. However, the study also identifies benefits such as enhanced employee morale and trust, which contribute to a positive work environment. The conclusions suggest that while these two regulations impose significant operational constraints, they also offer strategic advantages that can lead to improved employee engagement and organisational stability. While primarily focusing on the management perspective within MNCs, this study leaves the employee viewpoint unexplored. Future research could explore the employeee xperience to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of MBL and LAS. Additionally, while centred on the pharmaceutical industry, the findings may have broader implications for other industries and could pave the way for further research into how these regulations affect various industries and potentially influence foreign direct investment in Sweden. Given the limited sample size, further research with a larger and more diverse sample is also warranted to validate and generalise these results. Nevertheless, this study provides insights for new MNCs navigating the Swedish labourlaw landscape, aiding in strategic planning and decision-making.

No / Dominance effects are normally associated with multinational corporations (MNCs). However, we argue that a strong local competitor can create ‘dominance effects’ setting the institutional parameters for employment relations in multinational subsidiaries. Moreover such an effect can be persistent. In this case the Spanish-owned El Corte Inglés (ECI) used its power and influence to establish an employer's federation and two ‘yellow unions’. These yellow unions infiltrated the French-owned MNC Carrefour and most of the Spanish supermarket sector by the early 1980s and continue to dominate collective bargaining rounds and works council elections, marginalizing the main independent trade unions. This has resulted in poor pay and working conditions and a lack of effective employee representation across most of the Spanish supermarket sector. The fact that Carrefour established an international framework agreement to observe union rights in 2001 has as yet not changed this situation.

本研究以網際網路做為企業行銷溝通之互動性媒介為觀點，以內容分析法進行兩部分之研究。第一部份以分析跨國運動商品企業網站首頁為題；第二部分則測度傳播策略呈現在跨文化運動商品網頁中的標準化程度，以期對跨國運動商品企業建置各國家地區網站與網頁之現況有一概括性的瞭解。 第一部份將運動商品企業網站首頁劃分為「內容」與「設計」兩項架構，分析12家跨國運動商品企業在美國、中國與台灣共計33個首頁樣本，發現中國與台灣併計為大中華地區所列載之內容項目與功能設計，與美國運動商品網站首頁之差異不大；但在線上購物機制上則仍未有成熟的環境與建置，此結果可呼應於其他跨文化行銷傳播研究的相關論述。 第二部分研究植基於傳統廣告內容的分析技術，變項涵括：「資訊內容」、「文化價值」與「創意策略」等三面向，檢測跨國運動商品企業設置於美國、中國與台灣地區共計211個網頁樣本。結果發現運動商品網頁確實是涉入度高、資訊承載量大的互動性媒體，偏向使用「獨立性文化價值」以傳達個體性而非集體性的文化概念。然而大中華區在廣告運用與網路媒體的開放性，複雜紛呈的文化價值表現，亦造成運動商品網頁的跨文化差異化。創意策略則使用商品的論點與細節，結合象徵性聯想與品牌熟悉度的方式，同時傳達品牌名稱、商標符號與名人代言的情境，以行銷每一季推陳出新的運動商品。 / This study regards the Internet as an interactive medium of corporate marketing communication, engages in two parts of studies by content analysis method. The first part analyzes sports-commodity multinational corporations’ home pages; the second part evaluates the degree of standardizations’ online communication strategies across differing cultures. And to comprehend summarized about how the sports-commodity MNCs set up regional websites. Divides into two frames of “content” and “design” categories, the first part analyzes 33 home-page samples in 12 sports-commodity MNCs among USA, China, and Taiwan. So that sports-commodity home pages’ content items and design functions have no remarkable difference. But the systems of online shopping environment are not mature in China and Taiwan. The result is coherent with past cross-cultural studies that compared marketing communications. On the basis of traditional advertising content study techniques, three explanatory variables are conducted, i.e. “information content”, “culture value” and “creative strategies”. Examining the 211 web-page samples in sports-commodity MNCs among USA, China, and Taiwan, the finding suggests that the high involvement nature of interactive medium is closely related to the informative web pages. And the predominant usage of “independent culture value” conveys individualism but collectivism cultural concepts. However, the liberalization of the Internet media and advertising usage; representation of complicated culture values, are the reasons to cause the cross-cultural diversity between localized sports-commodity MNCs’ web pages. To weed through the old to bring forth the new sports commodity every season, the MNCs have adapted their web creative strategies by products’ arguments and specifics, and integrating symbolic association and brand familiarization, with context of brand name, trademark and celebrity endorsers.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and multinational companies (MNCs) landed in Chinaalmost at the same time. However, the Chinese market where the governmental role is alwaysinfluential provides a specific setting for the CSR development in China. The purpose of thisthesis is to analyze the governmental role in the CSR engagement of SvenskaKullagerfabriken (SKF) in China based on a literature review, qualitative case study, semistructuredinterview and three mini-cases study. By adopting these methods, it is found thatthe Chinese government is trying to provide a more CSR-friendly policy and stricterlegislation in order to guide the Chinese business towards a sustainable direction. Besides, inrecent years, the Chinese government is also re-orienting the social values that are claimingthe return of the traditional business ethics and promoting the level of CSR in the Chinesesociety. A triangulated model is developed in this thesis to analyze the case company. Theexperience of SKF indicates that the company’s CSR strategy is universal, whereas its CSRengagement has changed along with the Chinese development. It is found that there are fourphases of SKF’s CSR development in China, and each phase is associated with andstimulated by the specific scheme during the Chinese social and economic development.Among the variables in Chinese changing society, the macro-policy is deemed by SKF as thekey factor that has the largest impact on the CSR engagement of the company. After thisresearch, the research gap will be filled in with an empirical case. Yet, the future efforts inempirically investigating more companies are suggested to enrich the research on thecorrelation between the Chinese government, CSR development and MNCs in China.

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<p>This dissertation consists of three major chapters. The first chapter is dedicated to testing a novel gravity model of international trade, while the last two chapters explore cross-country commitment and implementation behavior within the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. </p> <p><strong>Chapter 1:</strong> I test a novel theoretical gravity model of international trade on firm-level export data from Colombia in 2018. The model assumes a power law relationship between trade flows and distance, with the distance elasticity resulting from two dynamic processes: firm-export growth captured in a Pareto distribution; and the growth of the distance over which those exports are sold. Although the model has been shown to work well in French data, its usefulness for interpreting data from other countries remains unexplored. I find evidence that the model fails in Colombia because some large firms contradict its assumptions by exhibiting shorter export distances compared to smaller firms in the sample. I hypothesize that these large firms are branches of foreign multinational corporations (MNCs). MNCs’ headquarters constraint the export growth of its affiliates as well as the markets they reach. While I cannot prove firms’ MNC affiliation, I use export sophistication as an imperfect metric to reflect MNC presence. When MNC affiliates are excluded from the sample, firm export distance rises faster with firm size, leading to improved predictions of the distance elasticity of trade in Colombia by the model. These findings have implications not only for the tested model but also for other theories that explain gravity in international trade through firm-level behavior.</p> <p><strong>Chapter 2:</strong> We use a new database of commitments made during the process of ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to study variation in countries’ commitment behavior. The TFA is a novel World Trade Organization agreement because it allows developing countries to select commitments from a menu of best practices in trade facilitation, rather than to consent, or not, to a comprehensive package of negotiated commitments. The operation of this <em>à la carte</em> approach to concluding trade agreements is worthy of study in its own right, but the commitment data also offer a high-level description of progress in an international effort to improve border management procedures around the globe. Our study uses data on TFA commitments to describe progress across subcomponents of the agreement. A regression model shows that the number of Type A trade facilitation commitments that a country made in the TFA ratification process depends on its level of development, population size, ability to control corruption, and foreign aid received to support trade facilitation. We use multidimensional scaling techniques to study differences in the content of national commitment bundles. This approach demonstrates that variation in the content of countries’ commitments is closely tied to the number of commitments made.</p> <p><strong>Chapter 3:</strong> This chapter examines the implementation progress of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) from 2019 to 2023. The TFA, which is the latest World Trade Organization agreement, came into force in 2017. In its novelty, it allows developing countries to set their own implementation schedule and adjust it if needed. This flexibility aligns implementation requirements with the capabilities of signatory countries, but introduces uncertainties in achieving complete global implementation and fully realizing the potential benefits of the agreement. Using data on the notified implementation dates for each measure of the TFA, this study describes the progress made in implementing different subcomponents of the agreement over a period of five years. A regression analysis suggests that the annual rate of progress towards achieving full TFA implementation does not vary based on country characteristics such as GDP per capita, population size, or landlocked status. Assuming that the tendency at which countries implement measures remains unchanged, I project that 95% of developing countries will achieve 95% TFA implementation between the years 2036 and 2047.</p>

The exogenous shock that Russia's invasion of Ukraine entailed brought great challenges and demands for change in companies worldwide. Governing under these conditions is not easy, nor is knowing what is actually right to do. There is research on turbulent environments and exogenous shocks, divestments, and legitimacy, but research on the interaction between these is limited. In this study, we examine how companies have responded to exogenous shocks, more specifically how Swedish MNCs have acted and communicated as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The study consists of 69 Swedish MNCs that were active in Russia pre-invasion and their communications and actions as a result of this event, with data drawn from press releases, company reports, state registers and the media. The results show that many of the examined companies have acted in a similar way and divested the Russian market, albeit with varying quickness and forcefulness, thus adopting an approach consistent with what may be considered to be a legitimate strategy, with a few exceptions where the companies' actions has not been as consistent. What this means is that despite the fact that these decisions are made by the respective company management, the measures are generally in line with each other, which may be a result of pressure from both internal and external stakeholders and society at large.