Using the Resource-Based View in Multinational Enterprise Research

The resource-based view (RBV) has evolved into a preeminent theory of strategic management. It is widely used by international business (IB) scholars since there considerable synergy in core research questions pursued IB and strategy researchers. However, on multinational enterprise (MNE) behavior, the use RBV remains limited relative to other influential perspectives, such as eclectic paradigm, Uppsala model, institutional theory. This not surprising was developed explain performance differentials between country-centric firms with dominant product businesses rather than large MNEs an expansive product-geographic scope. We describe how these limitations arise from wider range outcomes explanatory variables, multiple levels analysis, spatial, economic, barriers that are relevant MNEs. discuss application MNE first author scholars. then provide directions future could more fruitfully examine sources competitive advantage several areas. These include diversified corporations, subsidiary agglomeration, emerging market internationalization, autonomy, joint ventures alliances, corporate social responsibility. Drawing upon teaching case examples author’s work, we also point effectiveness cases, given its focus firm (strategy).