The Challenge of the Multinational Corporation to Organization Theory: Contextualizing Theory

Organization scholars have increasingly looked to the multinational corporation (MNC) as a convenient research site for testing and developing general hypotheses applicable any organization. In this essay, we argue that theorizing about organizational processes in MNC needs treat itself object: is, recognize complex multidimensionality of will influence phenomena under investigation be incorporated into design conceptual framing. To do so requires what term contextualized explanations: styles view context constitutive phenomena. We reanalyse an existing study identity work Carlsberg Group demonstrate theoretical insights gained from approach. Our case analysis illustrates how integrating explanation changes our understanding being investigated.