The Free-Standing Company: a "zombie" theory of international business history?. Issue 2 (9th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mollan, Simon
• Is Part Of: Journal of management history. Volume 24:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2018-04-09
• Subjects: Historiography -- Free-Standing Company -- International business theory -- International business history; Management -- History -- Periodicals; Public administration -- History -- Periodicals; 658.009
• DOI: 10.1108/JMH-09-2017-0043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-1348

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to decompose the historical and conceptual basis of the Free-Standing Company (FSC) in international business history. This is used to critique the FSC concept. The paper then provides a new framework to explain the lifecycle of these firms in a theoretically sensitive way. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is conceptual. The argument is developed through a critical reading of the existing literature. Findings: The central argument presented is that the FSC concept is ahistorical and cannot fully explain the firms it considers over time. An alternative approach is proposed. Research limitations/implications: The paper does not present new (archival) historical evidence. Originality/value: The central contribution/ambition of the paper is to advance the theoretical understanding of international firms of considerable historical importance. The ambition of the paper is to help renew research into this important historical organizational form that speaks directly to the ability of historical research to help advance international business theory.