The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the complex process of relocation that occurs in multinational corporations, how it happens, and most importantly, why relocation happens. This research aims to contribute to the literature on the topic of relocation, by filling the knowledge gaps and providing better insights into this not yet well-researched subject. To achieve the goal, the thesis proposes a new theoretical framework, analyzing the phenomena from a practical example of a truly multinational corporation. The design, methodology, and approach were qualitative, empirical research. Firstly, it was necessary to read the available literature on the internationalization and de-internationalization processes, old versus new school theories, and theoretical frameworks. Secondly, these available research were refined by conducting interviews with the chosen company and their representatives within Italy. Finally, drawing from these interviews, the data were examined to extract conclusions on the reasons for why these changes of company operational location occur and how they occur. Value - The conclusion of this research brings value as it shows a specific decision-making process that showcases an anomaly when compared to some of the usual routes during the relocation described in the literature, bringing a new dimension to the already existing literature and case studies on this topic. Research questions: 1. Why and how the process of relocation of MNCs occurs 2. What are the main factors that influence the decision-making process Keywords: Relocation, multinational corporations, global value chains, born globals, barriers to exit
Lo scopo di questa tesi è quello di analizzare il complesso processo di rilocalizzazione che avviene nelle aziende multinazionali, come avviene e, cosa più importante, perché avviene. Questa ricerca mira a contribuire alla letteratura circa i processi di rilocalizzazione, andando a colmare le lacune presenti e fornendo così una maggiore comprensione dell’argomento. Ai fini di questo, la tesi propone una nuova cornice teorica, costruita attraverso l’analisi di un esempio pratico su una vera multinazionale esistente. Il disegno, la metodologia e l'approccio sono stati di tipo qualitativo e di ricerca empirica. In primo luogo, è stato necessario leggere la letteratura disponibile sui processi di internazionalizzazione e de-internazionalizzazione, le teorie della vecchia e della nuova scuola e le cornici teoriche. In secondo luogo, a partire da questo materiale di ricerca, sono state condotte alcune interviste con l'azienda scelta e i suoi rappresentanti in Italia. Infine, ne sono stati esaminati i dati, per estrarre conclusioni circa perché e come questi trasferimenti di sede operativa dell'azienda avvengono. Valore – Questa tesi aggiunge una nuova prospettiva a quanto già presente in letteratura e nei casi di studio circa i processi di rilocalizzazione nelle aziende e loro cause, in quanto porta alla luce una nuova dimensione non ancora considerata, risultata parte integrante dello specifico processo decisionale messo in atto dall’azienda multinazionale intervistata. Domande di ricerca: 1. Perché e come avviene il processo di rilocalizzazione delle MNC 2. Quali sono i principali fattori che influenzano il processo decisionale Parole chiave: Rilocalizzazione, multinazionali, catene globali del valore, globalizzati nati, barriere all'uscita
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS OF PRODUCTION RELOCATION – THE CASE OF WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
ODALOVIC, INES
2020/2021
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the complex process of relocation that occurs in multinational corporations, how it happens, and most importantly, why relocation happens. This research aims to contribute to the literature on the topic of relocation, by filling the knowledge gaps and providing better insights into this not yet well-researched subject. To achieve the goal, the thesis proposes a new theoretical framework, analyzing the phenomena from a practical example of a truly multinational corporation. The design, methodology, and approach were qualitative, empirical research. Firstly, it was necessary to read the available literature on the internationalization and de-internationalization processes, old versus new school theories, and theoretical frameworks. Secondly, these available research were refined by conducting interviews with the chosen company and their representatives within Italy. Finally, drawing from these interviews, the data were examined to extract conclusions on the reasons for why these changes of company operational location occur and how they occur. Value - The conclusion of this research brings value as it shows a specific decision-making process that showcases an anomaly when compared to some of the usual routes during the relocation described in the literature, bringing a new dimension to the already existing literature and case studies on this topic. Research questions: 1. Why and how the process of relocation of MNCs occurs 2. What are the main factors that influence the decision-making process Keywords: Relocation, multinational corporations, global value chains, born globals, barriers to exitÈ consentito all'utente scaricare e condividere i documenti disponibili a testo pieno in UNITESI UNIPV nel rispetto della licenza Creative Commons del tipo CC BY NC ND.
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14239/1833