Reverse Diffusion in US Multinationals: Barriers from the American Business System

Tony Edwards, Phil Almond, Ian Clark, Trevor Colling and Anthony Ferner

Journal of Management Studies, 2005, vol. 42, issue 6, 1261-1286

Abstract: abstract This paper addresses the issue of ‘reverse diffusion’ of employment practices in multinational companies, which is defined as the transfer of practices from foreign subsidiaries to operations in the country of origin. It adds to the literature by examining the influence of the parent business system in multinationals. Specifically, it addresses how the dominant institutions and established organizational structures and practices in the home country affect the extent and impact of reverse diffusion of employment practices. Drawing on fresh evidence from American‐owned multinationals in the UK we argue that there is considerable potential for reverse diffusion to occur among this group of firms. However, we highlight a number of barriers to reverse diffusion that the American business system presents, demonstrating that these constrain both the prevalence and the impact of it in practice.

Date: 2005
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