{"title":"Cluster Internationalization to Tax Havens by Multinational Enterprises: An Exploration of Imitative Behaviour","authors":"Ha-Phuong Luong , Chris Jones , Yama Temouri","doi":"10.1016/j.jwb.2025.101630","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper explores the factors that influence the internationalization of multinational enterprises (MNEs) from clusters, with a particular focus on the use of tax havens. <em>Institutional Theory</em> is used as our theoretical framework, with mimetic isomorphism highlighted as a primary mechanism connecting cluster characteristics to MNE internationalization. By analyzing firm-level data for the UK and Germany from 2008-2019, we show that institutional features within clusters—such as imitation, the co-location of professional services, and industrial concentration—facilitate this form of internationalization. Furthermore, the findings improve research on cluster internationalization, indicating that the imitation effect is amplified by firm leadership and experience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51357,"journal":{"name":"Journal of World Business","volume":"60 4","pages":"Article 101630"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9000,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of World Business","FirstCategoryId":"91","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090951625000197","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"BUSINESS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This paper explores the factors that influence the internationalization of multinational enterprises (MNEs) from clusters, with a particular focus on the use of tax havens. Institutional Theory is used as our theoretical framework, with mimetic isomorphism highlighted as a primary mechanism connecting cluster characteristics to MNE internationalization. By analyzing firm-level data for the UK and Germany from 2008-2019, we show that institutional features within clusters—such as imitation, the co-location of professional services, and industrial concentration—facilitate this form of internationalization. Furthermore, the findings improve research on cluster internationalization, indicating that the imitation effect is amplified by firm leadership and experience.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of World Business holds a distinguished position as a leading publication within the realm of International Business. Rooted in a legacy dating back to 1965, when it was established as the Columbia Journal of World Business, JWB is committed to disseminating cutting-edge research that reflects significant advancements in the field. The journal actively seeks submissions that propel new theoretical frameworks and innovative perspectives on International Business phenomena. Aligned with its domain statement, submissions are expected to possess a clear multinational, cross-border, or international comparative focus, while remaining pertinent to the study of management and organizations. JWB particularly encourages submissions that challenge established theories or assumptions, presenting pioneering or counterintuitive findings. With an inclusive approach, the journal welcomes contributions from diverse conceptual and theoretical traditions, encompassing allied social sciences and behavioral sciences. Submissions should either develop new theories or rigorously test existing ones, employing a variety of qualitative, quantitative, or other methodological approaches. While JWB primarily caters to scholars and researchers, it values contributions that explore implications for Multinational Enterprises and their management, as well as ramifications for public policy and the broader societal role of business.