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Innovation in multinational firms: Does cultural fit enhance performance?

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  • Björn Ambos

    (Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration)

  • Bodo B. Schlegelmilch

    (Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration)

Abstract

Abstract and Key Results Using a dataset of 139 R&D laboratories located in 21 countries, this study empirically tests whether a fit among R&D laboratory mission and national culture impacts R&D performance. Specifically, we assume that some cultures possess a natural advantage when it comes to capability augmenting tasks, while other cultures are better suited to host capability exploiting tasks. Where the mission of the laboratory is capability exploiting, our results support a positive effect of culture-mission alignment. However, no relationship between mission-culture alignment and performance can be found in case of capability augmenting laboratories.

Suggested Citation

  • Björn Ambos & Bodo B. Schlegelmilch, 2008. "Innovation in multinational firms: Does cultural fit enhance performance?," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 48(2), pages 189-206, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:48:y:2008:i:2:d:10.1007_s11575-008-0011-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-008-0011-2
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