Global Business in Local Culture: The Impact of Embedded Multinational Enterprises [Paperback]

This book examines the impact of multinational enterprises (MNEs) on local economies, and presents selected case studies of MNEs operating in low income countries. By balancing external social and environmental costs against its corresponding benefits, the book demonstrates that MNEs can have a positive net-impact on local development if they build up social capital by embedding themselves in local economies and engaging responsibly with local stakeholders. By doing so MNEs contribute to inclusive growth, a central pillar of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, the book challenges popular narratives in civil society and academia that frame foreign direct investment (FDI) merely as a threat to human rights and sustainable development. Moreover, it offers practical guidance for globally operating businesses seeking to establish progressive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies of their own.
Introduction.- Societal foundations of economic development.- Neoliberalism: a mythical and meaningful term devoid of any deep thought.- The impact of popular stereotypes in academic research and public policy.- New Economic Sociology and re-definition of the term embeddedness.- Economic globalization as a disembedding force?.- Embedded MNEs and their contribution to sustainable change.- Development cooperation as a catalyst for sustainable long- term FDI.- Concluding remarks.

Prof. Dr. Philipp Aerni is Director of the Center for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CCRS) and also Professor for Sustainability and Impact Entrepreneurship at the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR). He received his Masters Degree in Geography (with Minors in Environmental Science and Economics) from the UlÓ\