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From a Theory to a Paradigm: Examining the Eclectic Paradigm as a Framework in International Economics

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  • Paz Estrella Tolentino

Abstract

Over the course of a quarter of a century, the eclectic paradigm has derived its strength from being a general framework of analysis that explains the level and pattern of foreign value-added activities of firms, and/or of countries, and allows for the co-existence of complementary and alternative theories in the discipline of international economics in a logically consistent manner without being inextricably wedded to any one particular approach. The current study aims to support such broad theoretical appeal of the paradigm by refining its theoretical interpretations of the concepts of ownership advantages and internalisation. To support its view that asset ownership advantages are both competitive advantages and monopolistic advantages, the theoretical interpretation of asset ownership advantages in the paradigm needs to be broadened from a narrow emphasis on Bain-type monopolistic advantages which enable firms to erect barriers to entry to new competition and exercise monopoly power in final product markets. It must also accommodate the theoretical perception of asset ownership advantages as part of the rivalrous behaviour or competitive process between firms consistent with the approach of Cantillon and the classical economists starting with Adam Smith, the Austrian economists such as Schumpeter and Hayek, as well as Penrose. The eclectic paradigm must also effectively address the important distinction between 'internalisation of ownership advantages or intermediate products' and the 'internalisation of the markets for ownership advantages or intermediate products' within the context of endogenous structural market imperfections in final products and exogenous transactional market imperfections in intermediate products. In clearly distinguishing between the alternative interpretations of the concepts of ownership advantages and internalisation, the paradigm could more effectively synthesise alternative theories of the firm and the multinational corporation in one cogent framework of economic analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Paz Estrella Tolentino, 2001. "From a Theory to a Paradigm: Examining the Eclectic Paradigm as a Framework in International Economics," International Journal of the Economics of Business, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(2), pages 191-209.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ijecbs:v:8:y:2001:i:2:p:191-209
    DOI: 10.1080/13571510110051496
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter J. Buckley & Mark Casson, 1985. "The Economic Theory of the Multinational Enterprise," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-05242-4, December.
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    1. Stoian, Carmen & Filippaios, Fragkiskos, 2008. "Dunning's eclectic paradigm: A holistic, yet context specific framework for analysing the determinants of outward FDI: Evidence from international Greek investments," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 17(3), pages 349-367, June.
    2. Dunning, John H. & Kim, Zu Kweon & Lee, Chul-In, 2007. "Restructuring the regional distribution of FDI: The case of Japanese and US FDI," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 19(1), pages 26-47, January.
    3. Kottaridi, Constantina & Louloudi, Konstantina & Karkalakos, Sotiris, 2019. "Human capital, skills and competencies: Varying effects on inward FDI in the EU context," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 375-390.
    4. Kottaridi, Constantina & Giakoulas, Dimitris & Manolopoulos, Dimitris, 2019. "Escapism FDI from developed economies: The role of regulatory context and corporate taxation," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 36-47.

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