Positive institutional changes through peace: The relative effects of peace agreements and non-market capabilities on FDI

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Albino-Pimentel, Joao; Oetzel, Jennifer; Oh, Chang Hoon; Poggioli, Nicholas A.
• 署名单位: Copenhagen Business School; American University; University of Kansas; University of Michigan System; University of Michigan
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2506
• DOI: 10.1057/s41267-021-00453-y
• 发表日期: 2021
• 页码: 1256-1278
• 关键词: institutional changes; peace agreements; positive peace; non-market capabilities; political capabilities; ESG capabilities; location choice; Foreign Direct Investments

摘要

Despite the fragile economic and political environment in conflict-affected countries, a significant number of multinational enterprises (MNEs) enter these markets, particularly as conditions begin to improve. To better understand how MNEs respond to positive institutional changes in challenging markets, we examine the relative effects of peace agreements and MNE capabilities on foreign direct investment. We expect that MNEs can engage in institutional arbitrage by leveraging political capabilities in their home market as well as their environmental, social, and governance capabilities to enter conflict-affected countries. Thus, rather than focusing solely on managing downside risk, we also analyze the relative value of MNE capabilities as countries strive to become more peaceful. Specifically, we hypothesize and find that peace agreements and the associated positive changes in the political environment in the host country are less important for MNEs with political capabilities and strong environmental and social governance than they are for other MNEs. The results raise important questions about why and how certain firms may thrive in challenging environments and reveal the differential impact of positive institutional change.