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Penrose and the growth of multinational firms

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  • Neil M. Kay

    (Economics Department, 100 Cathedral St. Glasgow, G4 OLN, UK)

Abstract

In this paper, we look at the relationship of Penrose's theory of the growth of the firm to the multinational enterprise. We argue that one element in exploring the nature and evolution of the MNE may lie in asking the question; 'what was there before there was the MNE?' The answer to this may lie in examining corporate growth processes and the evolution of large firms through internal growth and external growth. By placing the MNE in the broader context of Penrosian growth processes, it may be possible to develop a fuller analysis of the globalisation of economic activity. We also argue that the potential benefits from pursuing such possible links may not just be limited to work in the international business field. By developing an approach to the multinational based on such foundations, it may be possible to contribute to understanding and analysis in areas (such as corporate growth) that have been traditionally regarded as the preserve of the industrial organisation theorists, but which have been relatively neglected by them in recent years. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Neil M. Kay, 2005. "Penrose and the growth of multinational firms," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(2), pages 99-112.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:26:y:2005:i:2:p:99-112
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.1213
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lars Håkanson & Philip Kappen, 2017. "The ‘Casino Model’ of internationalization: An alternative Uppsala paradigm," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 48(9), pages 1103-1113, December.
    2. Hutzschenreuter, Thomas & Horstkotte, Julian, 2013. "Managerial services and complexity in a firm’s expansion process: An empirical study of the impact on the growth of the firm," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 137-151.
    3. Jan-Erik Vahlne & Jan Johanson, 2017. "From internationalization to evolution: The Uppsala model at 40 years," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 48(9), pages 1087-1102, December.

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