Integration of Local and Global Knowledge in Finnish Business Operations in Russia

P. 566–576.

Голикова В. В., Karhunen P., Kosonen R.

To adapt foreign business practices to the turbulent business environment of Russia is a challenging task. Most research has analyzed transfer of MNE practices to the Russian operations (e.g. [May et al., 2005]), whereas the use of local knowledge has received less attention [Karhunen et. al., 2008]. This paper shows that in order to succeed in Russia, a foreign company needs not only to transfer its firm-specific advantages to the local operations but also harness local knowledge. We address this question by first, evaluating what kind of knowledge gaps a MNE entering Russia should close to operate successfully. Second, we analyze what means are used to upgrade managerial skills in the subsidiary. Empirically, we analyze Kemira GrowHow, a Finnish MNE, which has operated in Russia since the Soviet era. We first review literature pertinent to our research topic: the challenge of global integration versus local responsiveness, and the division of management responsibilities between the headquarters and the subsidiary.

Ключевые слова: Business Integration, local knowledge, global knowledge, business-operations, Finnish business

В книге

X Международная научная конференция по проблемам развития экономики и общества: в 3 кн.

Кн. 2. , М.: Издательский дом ГУ-ВШЭ, 2010.