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The Co-Evolution of Global Legitimation and Technology Upgrading: The Case of Huawei

Author

Listed:
  • Wu, Sihong

    (University of Western Australia, WA, Australia)

  • Fan, Di

    (Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia)

  • Su, Yiyi

    (Tongji University, Shanghai, China)

Abstract

This study explores the underlying relationship between acquisition of global legitimacy and the search for technology upgrading by Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs). Using Huawei’s investment in Russia, Kenya, the United Kingdom and Canada as an in-depth case study, we observe that through corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in foreign markets and engaging with local community, Chinese MNEs can acquire global legitimacy and gradually catch up with industry leaders. However, the process of global legitimation and innovation continues to evolve. We find that, together with engaging in CSR activities, acquisition of sophisticated knowledge and creation of innovation bring more legitimacy challenges to these firms. Thus, we suggest that Chinese MNEs’ global legitimation and innovation processes are closely coupled and mutually influential, resulting in co-evolution.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Sihong & Fan, Di & Su, Yiyi, 2021. "The Co-Evolution of Global Legitimation and Technology Upgrading: The Case of Huawei," American Business Review, Pompea College of Business, University of New Haven, vol. 24(2), pages 147-172, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:ambsrv:0042
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    Cited by:

    1. Sihong Wu & Di Fan & Liang Chen, 2022. "Revisiting the Internationalization-Performance Relationship: A Twenty-Year Meta-Analysis of Emerging Market Multinationals," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 62(2), pages 203-243, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Co-Evolution; Technology Upgrading; Legitimation; Chinese MNEs; Huawei;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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