Ph.D. Scholarship: Multinational corporations in the age of anti-globalization: New forms of orchestration and organizing innovation in global value chains of MNCs
Is the current trend of anti-globalization the end of multinational corporations? (The Economist in January 2017) Or is does this trend lead to new forms of organizing global MNCs?
MNCs are changing in ways challenging existing theories and research in International Business and Economic Geography. Today, the organizational forms of MNCs include a multitude of network constructions and new collaborative forms. Networks emerge within the boundaries of MNCs, but to a larger extent also with global and local partners at all parts of the value chain across space. Recently, networks are also found in research and development (R&D) and in innovation activities more broadly. These innovation networks span beyond value chains and involve new locations and new types of actors. In this process of reconfiguring global production and/or innovation networks, MNCs are taking on a new role of orchestrators that involves governing new collaborative forms and causes new management, coordination and communication challenges.
The aim of this PhD is to explore the changing organizational forms of MNCs as they involve, for example: 1) intra-firm global teams and boundary spanners as facilitators of work processes, bringing in perspectives on knowledge transfer processes and capability development, 2) inter-firm linkages including governance and power relations between MNCs and other actors in their global chains and networks, and 3) the institutional dimensions at the firm level as well as the national and global levels (e.g. policy framework and international organizations). For that reason, it is recommendable to engage in a study of one industry involved in global innovation and products with a global reach, such as the pharmaceutical or bio-tech industries. These questions may be analyzed on the basis of quantitative data, qualitative, case-based data, or a combination thereof. The ideal candidate therefore has a strong background in both quantitative and qualitative methods and is familiar with the International Business and Economic Geography research domains.
This Phd is a joint project between the Department of Strategic Management (SMG) and Globalization and the Department of Business and Politics(DBP). This is one of seven positions in a PhD cohort focused on the theme: ‘‘Multinational corporations (MNCs) in the age of anti-globalization”. Compared to the 1980s, where MNCs flourished due to the neo-liberal turn that embraced globalization, and which did bring dynamism, wealth and leadership practices across the globe, the 2010s are characterized by increased skepticism towards globalization. This skepticism arises from increased inequality, but also technological innovation, whereby blue-collar workers are increasingly becoming redundant. It has for instance expressed itself in the populist revolt that underpinned the 2016 US presidential election and Brexit and it seems that the neoliberal order is now being reconfigured, with a greater focus on nationalism and national interests. There is also an increased focus on the behavior and strategies of MNCs. These issues are being addressed by governments, the EU and international organizations (IOs) such as the UN. Thus, the aim of this PhD cohort is on the one hand, to focus on the current global challenges MNCs face, which types of strategies they adopt in response, and in what way they organize their activities, and on the other hand what the responses of IOs and governments are and what these response imply for the strategies of MNCs. Academic research on this question can generate new insights into the relationship between firm-level decision-making by MNCs, in relation to international organizations, the EU and governments and the increasingly anti-global environment they all operate in.
The application must include a 5 page project description. This research proposal should contain a presentation of an original research question, a description of the initial theoretical framework and methodology, a presentation of the suggested empirical material as well as a work-plan.
In addition to the research proposal, the application must include copies of a Master’s degree certificate or other certificates of a corresponding level, brief curriculum vitae (CV), a list of papers and publications, and one copy of a selected written work (e.g. Master’s thesis). Applicants must enclose documentation for English language skills if not mother tongue.
Recruitment procedure
The Recruitment Committee will shortlist minimum two applicants; when possible five or more applicants will be shortlisted. The shortlisted applicants will be assessed by the Assessment Committee. All applicants will be notified of their status in the recruitment process shortly after the application deadline.
The applicants selected for assessment will be notified about the composition of the Assessment Committee and later in the process about the result of the assessment.
Once the recruitment process is completed each applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application.
Please find guidelines and further information on scholarships and the Doctoral Programme.
Copenhagen Business School must receive all application material, including all appendices (see items above), by the application deadline.
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