The role of society for the development of multinational companies’ (MNC) business has so far not attracted much scholarly attention in international marketing. Responding to recent calls for further research relating MNCs with society, the aim of this thesis is to enhance the understanding of the MNC relationship with society. Standing on the business network perspective, the theoretical view includes society in the network. Apart from business actors, the view incorporates public actors (such as governments) and civil society actors (such as Non-Governmental Organizations). Thus, contrary to earlier business network studies, the MNC relationships with non-business actors are explicitly handled as part of the business network in this thesis. For the fulfillment of the aim - understanding the MNC relationship with society - the study applies the four relationship elements knowledge, commitment, trust and legitimacy. In further developing the theoretical view, the results from the empirical and theoretical findings in the papers, along with others’ contributions in this field, have inspired the development of interdependence in relationships. Consequently, the main emphasis in the ‘Thesis Summary’ is put on a deeper theoretical discussion of the concept of interdependence. The interdependence framework maps different relationship types with business and non-business actors in business networks. The implications on the management of the different types of relationships are also further developed. The empirical study, which inspired the theoretical development, concerns a qualitative and abductive case study of a Swedish MNC’s relationships with actors from the business, public and civil society sectors in Argentina and Brazil. The study is based on 51 interviews, observations and documentation as its main data sources. It resulted in four papers, which were developed in the areas of crisis, subsidiary strategy, radical innovation and expansion to the rural ‘Base of the Pyramid’, all applying a relational perspective. The thesis has both empirical and theoretical contributions. The major empirical contribution concerns the behavior of MNCs in emerging economies in relation to society. The theoretical development contributes deeper exploration of business relationships and network perspectives in the context of society, adding a novel employment of the same.

This practicum sets out to address several challenges faced by a multinational corporation operating within a globalized marketplace through the reconsideration of its workplace design. The aim is to achieve a balance between cultural adaptation and standardized corporate identity in the design for the hypothetical multinational management consulting company, Torrent. The balance is perused in order to support Japanese and Canadian national-work-cultures, the two cultures on which the practicum is based, while creating a strong, consistent, and recognizable visual identity across its different subsidiaries. The practicum’s overall objective is to demonstrate how both of these themes can be achieved simultaneously in order to create a balance that benefits both the multinational company as well as its host country. The practicum’s outcome involves two design solutions developed for Torrent based on a single workplace, one responding to Japan’s national work culture, and the other to Canada’s. A standardized corporate identity is achieved through the communication of a consistent company identity in both workplace designs.

We approached a multinational manufacturing company that wants to reduce its employee turnover among white collars workers. Thailand's current labour shortage requires an ability to retain employees and a quantitative survey is conducted to measure the perceived job satisfaction. Job Satisfaction is a key component in strive for employee retention. The study identifies and analyzes organizational reasons that contribute to job satisfaction and that can contribute to increased employee retention. By investigating perceived job satisfaction amongst white collar worker, aims the study to find factors that are central to employee retention and how the most central factors can be strengthen and developed by the organization. The study creates an understanding of the benefits of employee retention strategies and the results may support the organization in the development of these. The conclusion is that organizational effort within work design, leadership, social support; development, compensation & benefits, and work-life balance are essential for employee retention. The study indicates that employees‘ annual development, competitiveness within compensation & benefits and a leader that lives up to the employee's expectations have an influence on the perceived job satisfaction. A continuous effort to increase job satisfaction reduces employee desire of movement. The pros of staying and the risks of leaving the organization increases and the result is an increased opportunity for employee retention / Vi kom i kontakt med ett multinationellt tillverkningsföretag som vill minska sin personalomsättning bland tjänstemän. Thailands rådande arbetskraftbrist ställer krav på en god förmåga att behålla personal och en kvantitativ undersökning genomförs för att mäta den upplevda arbetstillfredsställelsen. Arbetstillfredsställelse ses i tidigare studier som en nyckelkomponent för arbetet med personalbehållning, och vår studie fortsätter i samma riktning. Syftet är att finna och analysera organisatoriska grunder i arbetstillfredsställelse som kan bidra till ökad personalbehållning. Genom att undersöka tjänstemännens upplevda arbetstillfredsställelse kan vi besvara vilka faktorer som är centrala för personalbehållning och hur de mest centrala faktorerna kan stärkas och utvecklas av organisationen. Resultatet ökar förståelsen av fördelarna med personalbehållningsstrategier och kan stödja organisationen i utvecklingen av dessa. Slutsatsen är att organisationens arbete med Arbetsdesign, Ledarskap, Socialt stöd, Utveckling, Kompensation &Förmåner samt Balansen mellan privat- och arbetslivs är centrala för deras personalbehållning. Studien indikerar även att årlig utveckling hos de anställda, konkurrenskraftiga kompensationer & förmåner och en ledare som lever upp till de anställdas förväntningar har en stark inverkan på arbetstillfredsställelsen. Ett kontinuerligt arbete för ökad arbetstillfredsställelse minskar de anställdas önskan om att byta arbete. Fördelarna med att stanna kvar samt riskerna med att lämna organisationen ökar och resultatet blir en förbättrad möjlighet till personalbehållning

Cette thèse porte sur le processus de mise en place et de développement d’une communauté de pratique en innovation. Le terrain de recherche a été réalisé auprès du Groupe SEB, une multinationale française, spécialisée dans le domaine du petit équipement domestique. L'étude empirique, menée dans une perspective longitudinale, est fondée sur 63 entretiens semi-directifs, des observations et des documents internes. L’analyse réalisée met en exergue l’existence de quatre phases caractérisant la mise en place et le développement d’une communauté de pratique. Elle montre aussi la compatibilité des deux types de communautés identifiés dans la littérature : les communautés intentionnellement créées et les communautés émergentes. Les résultats obtenus révèlent que la dynamique de développement varie suivant le type de communauté. Ils soulignent notamment le rôle de l’animation active et ciblée comme un facteur clé influençant la dynamique de communautés de pratique intentionnellement créées. Les éléments de réponse apportés dans le cadre de notre recherche peuvent contribuer à une meilleure gestion des communautés de pratique et servir de guide pour d’autres organisations souhaitant utiliser ces structures sociales dans le domaine de l’innovation. / This thesis focuses on the establishment and development process of communities of practice in the field of innovation. The field study has been conducted at the SEB Group, a French multinational company specializing in electrical appliances. The empirical study, developed from a longitudinal perspective, is based on 63 semi-structured interviews, observations and internal documents. The analysis indicates the existence of four phases that characterize the establishment and development of a community of practice. It also shows the compatibility of two types of communities identified in the literature: intentionally created and emerging communities. The obtained findings reveal that the dynamics of development varies according to the type of community. Furthermore, they highlight that active and effective coordination is a key factor influencing the dynamics of intentionally created communities of practice. The answers obtained in the context of our research can contribute to a better management of communities of practice and serve as a guide for other organizations that wish to deploy these social structures in the field of innovation.

In terms of the world globalization multinational companies are becoming more significant in the international trading system. One of the main conditions for opening the new market by a multinational company is an effective system of the strategic management. This thesis is aimed at analyzing the ways of LUKOIL operations in Ukraine. Moreover, the specific attention of the paper is devoted to the LUKOIL activities in the country. Taking into account all the particularities of the Ukrainian market, the conclusion provides clear evidence about the successful implementation of LUKOIL formulated strategy in Ukraine.

This thesis deals with the process and management of the joint venture project from a theoretical point of view and subsequently analyzes particular international joint venture of two automobile companies - Spanish SEAT S.A. and Czech Skoda Auto Inc. - into the Volkswagen Group. The main goal of this thesis is to answer the question why the SEAT S.A. after the integration into the Volkswagen Group did not become as successful as Skoda Auto achieved to be.

Nos últimos cinqüenta anos ocorreu uma imensa gama de mudanças e inovações tecnológicas que tem impacto direto nos povos, nas questões sociais, econômicas e políticas. Essa mudança fica mais intensa com o processo de globalização que ocorreu nas últimas décadas, e caracterizou um aspecto multifacetado, com questões profundas, que exigiu das culturas uma nova inter-relação mundial. Este novo momento demanda um estudo para que se compreendam o choque entre culturas e o impacto sobre cada indivíduo. O desenvolvimento da economia transformou profundamente o trabalho e estabeleceu alto grau de competências e habilidades dos profissionais necessárias para o novo contexto. Dessa forma, o profissional depara-se com uma recente situação, na qual deve articular culturas de forma harmônica e retornar a sua pátria. Nesse contexto, o objetivo principal foi elucidar as questões relativas à expatriação, procurando apresentar a realidade desse processo através de mapeamento dos diversos momentos dessa mobilidade e sua relação com o momento histórico, bem como, vislumbrar os aspectos do fenômeno da transnacionalidade a que o executivo e sua respectiva família estão sujeitos. A metodologia adotada constituiu-se de pesquisa de campo exploratória e multidisciplinar. As informações foram obtidas com a área de expatriação das organizações e com os profissionais e suas famílias, por meio de questionário e entrevistas. Este trabalho traz três contribuições acadêmicas; a estruturação do cenário histórico mundial e nacional (1956-2005) que permite visualizar a ocorrência da internacionalização do capital e como o Brasil adentrou nesse processo; a possibilidade de entender como se sustentam os processos de expatriação dentro das empresas; e compreender o olhar dos expatriados e respectivas famílias sobre essa experiência, no tocante à adaptação pessoal e profissional no momento da saída e do retorno. / In the past fifty years a vast range of technological changes and innovations that have had direct impact on nations and on social, economical and political matters have occurred. This change is intensified by the globalization process that has taken place in the recent decades, implying on a multifaceted aspect, with profound issues and demanding a new world interrelationship from cultures. This new moment presents a demand for a study to gain in-depth understanding of cultural shock and its impact on individuals. The development of economy has deeply transformed labor and set a high level of skills and competencies needed from professionals within the new context. Thus professionals are faced with a recent situation in which they must articulate cultures harmoniously and then return to their homeland. In this context the main goal was to elucidate matters pertaining to expatriation, seeking to demonstrate this process reality through the mapping of this mobility different moments and its relationship with the historical moment, as well, as to glimpse at the aspects of the transnationality phenomenon to which the executive and his/her respective family are subject to. The chosen methodology was composed of multidisciplinary and exploratory field research. Information was obtained from the organizations expatriation areas and from professionals and their families, through questionnaires and interviews. This work provides three academic contributions; structuring of historic national and world scenario (1956-2005) that provides visualization of capital internationalization occurrence and of how Brazil entered this process; the possibility of understanding how expatriation processes are sustained within companies; and of understanding expatriates and respective families outlook on this experience to the extent of personal and professional adaptation on departure and upon return.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how and to what degree Swedish multinational companies (MNCs) adapt to local conditions when they establish subsidiaries in China, and if cultural differences play an important role in their operations. Background: The major challenge for MNCs establishing abroad is the configuration and integration of their country subsidiaries (Galbraith, 2000). Therefore, it is vital to understand how activities within an organization, such as structures, processes, reward systems, and people practices, should be designed in order for the company to be as efficient as possible (Weiss, 2007; Kesler & Kates, 2011). Swedish direct investments in China have increased significantly in the late 2000s, especially in the eastern regions, where a majority of about 650 Swedish companies in China are located (Swedish Trade Council, 2012a). Establishing across borders is a step towards future growth, but it is important to note that a cross-border expansion comes with many challenges (Galbraith, 2000). Method: This study uses a qualitative research method by investigating the experiences and practices of two Swedish multinational companies with operations in Shanghai, China. Information has been collected from eight respondents in the form of interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Conclusion: Swedish MNCs standardize their organization to a large extent when they establish subsidiaries in China, and culture has a slight influence on the practices of Swedish MNCs but does not play a major role for the business as a whole.

Nos últimos cinqüenta anos ocorreu uma imensa gama de mudanças e inovações tecnológicas que tem impacto direto nos povos, nas questões sociais, econômicas e políticas. Essa mudança fica mais intensa com o processo de globalização que ocorreu nas últimas décadas, e caracterizou um aspecto multifacetado, com questões profundas, que exigiu das culturas uma nova inter-relação mundial. Este novo momento demanda um estudo para que se compreendam o choque entre culturas e o impacto sobre cada indivíduo. O desenvolvimento da economia transformou profundamente o trabalho e estabeleceu alto grau de competências e habilidades dos profissionais necessárias para o novo contexto. Dessa forma, o profissional depara-se com uma recente situação, na qual deve articular culturas de forma harmônica e retornar a sua pátria. Nesse contexto, o objetivo principal foi elucidar as questões relativas à expatriação, procurando apresentar a realidade desse processo através de mapeamento dos diversos momentos dessa mobilidade e sua relação com o momento histórico, bem como, vislumbrar os aspectos do fenômeno da transnacionalidade a que o executivo e sua respectiva família estão sujeitos. A metodologia adotada constituiu-se de pesquisa de campo exploratória e multidisciplinar. As informações foram obtidas com a área de expatriação das organizações e com os profissionais e suas famílias, por meio de questionário e entrevistas. Este trabalho traz três contribuições acadêmicas; a estruturação do cenário histórico mundial e nacional (1956-2005) que permite visualizar a ocorrência da internacionalização do capital e como o Brasil adentrou nesse processo; a possibilidade de entender como se sustentam os processos de expatriação dentro das empresas; e compreender o olhar dos expatriados e respectivas famílias sobre essa experiência, no tocante à adaptação pessoal e profissional no momento da saída e do retorno. / In the past fifty years a vast range of technological changes and innovations that have had direct impact on nations and on social, economical and political matters have occurred. This change is intensified by the globalization process that has taken place in the recent decades, implying on a multifaceted aspect, with profound issues and demanding a new world interrelationship from cultures. This new moment presents a demand for a study to gain in-depth understanding of cultural shock and its impact on individuals. The development of economy has deeply transformed labor and set a high level of skills and competencies needed from professionals within the new context. Thus professionals are faced with a recent situation in which they must articulate cultures harmoniously and then return to their homeland. In this context the main goal was to elucidate matters pertaining to expatriation, seeking to demonstrate this process reality through the mapping of this mobility different moments and its relationship with the historical moment, as well, as to glimpse at the aspects of the transnationality phenomenon to which the executive and his/her respective family are subject to. The chosen methodology was composed of multidisciplinary and exploratory field research. Information was obtained from the organizations expatriation areas and from professionals and their families, through questionnaires and interviews. This work provides three academic contributions; structuring of historic national and world scenario (1956-2005) that provides visualization of capital internationalization occurrence and of how Brazil entered this process; the possibility of understanding how expatriation processes are sustained within companies; and of understanding expatriates and respective families outlook on this experience to the extent of personal and professional adaptation on departure and upon return.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs) currently face not only a dynamic business environment and challenging profit target, but also increased expectations from the public to take responsibility for addressing social, economic, and environmental issues. There is a tendency that the leading companies in the global market, especially MNCs, put more effort to the Social Innovation (SI). This study is to investigate what drives the MNCs to be involved in social innovation. In order to find out the reasons, we make use of the literature related to social innovation and social entrepreneurship to develop a framework of the motivation of MNCs towards social innovation. The framework combines three different perspectives (Individualistic Perspective, Organizational Perspective, and Institutional Perspective) to describe the motivation of MNCs. It includes ten main factors: philanthropy, ethics, self-awareness, new business opportunities, interfuntional collaboration, corporate culture, laws and regulations, market demands, strategic collaboration and territorial development. The study is also built on rich data collected through semi-structured interviews together with secondary sources from four MNCs in the different industries: KPMG, Coca-Cola, Porsche, and Philips. However, the empirical evidence indicates a revised framework of motivations of the social innovation in MNCs, including six main factors: self-awareness, new business opportunities, interfuntional collaboration, corporate culture, market demands, and strategic collaboration. Our research made a step into unexplored field of motivation of the MNC being involved in SI and hopefully will go further to investigate the rationale for such involvement.