Local responses to global integration in a transnational professional service firm. Issue 1 (29th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klimkeit, Dirk; Reihlen, Markus
• Is Part Of: Journal of professions and organization. Volume 3:Issue 1(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2015-09-29
• Subjects: global integration -- multinational corporation -- professional service firm -- practice transfer; Professions -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; Organizational behavior -- Periodicals; Organizational sociology -- Periodicals; 331.71
• DOI: 10.1093/jpo/jov008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-8803

Abstract

Abstract : This study examines the transfer of management practices from a regional headquarters to the local subsidiaries in a transnational professional service firm. Using an in-depth case study of a top-tier transnational professional service firm, we develop an empirically grounded theory. We analyse how partners of local subsidiaries responded to a global integration initiative and identify contingencies that influenced partners' responses to pressures of conformity from the regional headquarters. We found a broad diversity of responses ranging from complying to open resistance when adopting the management practice locally. This diversity of responses is explained by three major categories emerging from our data—local fit, linking practices, and subsidiary resources. By focusing our attention on individual actors and their responses in the light of a multiplicity of institutional interests, norms, and beliefs, this article seeks to expand the global-local debate in multinational corporations.