Institutional theory and entry modes by emerging markets multinationals

Abstract

This essay aims at contributing to the analysis of the spaces for contribution of the institutional perspective of analysis to advance the understanding of entry mode choices by multinational firms from emerging markets. Entry modes refer to the decisions involving the degree of control of a subsidiary (wholly-owned versus joint venture). Some authors propose that three dimensions of the institutional environment influence the entry mode decision: regulative distance, normative distance and cultural-cognitive distance between the host country and the country of origin of the investing firm. Starting from a broad review of the extant literature, this study identifies factors related to the three pillars of the institutional environment and advances propositions to be tested in future studies on entry mode choices of emerging market multinationals.