Conclusions and Policy Implications

Chapter 1 of this volume established the context in which research into subsidiary management has emerged and set the scene for the twelve empirical studies. This final chapter stands back from the findings and attempts to evaluate them from the perspective of four different types of interest, namely those of MNEs as parents and corporate entities; of host governments; of managers within MNE subsidiaries; and of academics with a particular interest in this aspect of international business. Clearly, these interests do not necessarily coincide in matters of subsidiary development. Thus, for example, a parent MNE may recognise some of the creative tensions considered in the foregoing chapters when it comes to balancing subsidiary and corporate ambition in any one location within its network. On the other hand, a host government committed to investment attraction and development may be in favour of a ‘beggar thy neighbour’ policy which leads to the maximum value added within MNE subsidiaries within its territory. This book was not, however, designed to provide a comprehensive view of all of these issues.