Theories of the Multinational Firm

A Multidimensional Creature in the Global Economy, Third Edition

3rd edition

Mats Forsgren, Department of Business Studies, Uppsala University, Sweden

Used internationally at undergraduate and postgraduate level, this highly successful textbook presents, analyses and compares six different theories of the multinational firm that have dominated the research in international business during the last four decades.

‘While the reader is left with the clear impression that Forsgren's own allegiances lie with the network perspective (which also includes the Uppsala model of internationalization), the book offers an exceptionally clear exposé of all six theories, supplemented with real-life examples of managerial behavior.’
– Kano L. Verbeke, Global Strategy Journal

‘The book naturally suggests several research questions. Readers will be curious to be advised what helps a critical researcher to know which theoretical approach can best serve their needs in designing and pursuing an international business research project. . . . The fact that this book stimulates such fundamental questions is a testimony to its success.’
——彼得•巴克o》杂志上f International Business Studies

‘The latest edition of this well-known book retains all that was in the previous edition and adds some new material. The most significant addition is a new chapter that describes an emerging perspective of the political power and governing influence that multinational companies (MNCs) and their top managers are increasingly exerting in today’s world. All of the contextual data about international business and MNCs is also updated to 2015. The core of the book remains the six important theoretical perspectives of the MNC, which are discussed at length in separate chapters and compared. Why MNCs exist, how they compete, and their impact on society are the big, eternal questions that are addressed. The book can be read and understood at multiple levels, from learning what each theory is about to appreciating the more subtle implications of their differences for firms and society. I still find this the most thorough and inviting book for understanding the various theories of the MNC and thinking about the role of MNCs in today’s world.’
– William G. Egelhoff, Fordham University, US