International Business (History of Management Thought, 17)

Over the years the challenges of international business in organisation and culture have been one of the most intriguing issues facing managers. Attempts at organisational innovation have tried to strike a balance between local markets' responsiveness and global efficiency. This book presents an overview of changing attitudes to the globalization of the firm and traces the increasing sophistication of management techniques necessary to cope with the increasing complexity of business world wide. It contains readings on the management of international business from 1936 to 1998. Looking at managing abroad and the internationalism of firms including issues of appraising foreign investment opportunities, the foreign investment decision process and the evolution of the multinational enterprise. The operations and planning of the multinational firm are surveyed over time from early models of "Headquarters and Subsidiary" to global strategies. The key issues of international strategic alliances and joint ventures are also examined; concluding with approaches to forward looking international management.