Evis Sinani

Export market participation with sunk costs and firm heterogeneity

In this article we investigate the importance of sunk costs, firm characteristics and spillovers from nearby exporters on a firms decision to participate in exporting. The empirical analysis involves the estimation of a nonstructural, discrete choice, dynamic model with firm heterogeneity. By using panel data for Estonian companies from 1994 to 1999 we find that: (i) both sunk costs and observable firm characteristics are important determinants of export market participation; (ii) previous history matters, in that, if a firm has been exporting the previous period or the period before, it significantly increases the likelihood of the firm exporting in the current period; (iii) larger firms with high capital intensity and foreign ownership are more likely to be exporters; (iv) operating in an export-oriented industry increases a firms likelihood of exporting.

The Determinants of Global Integration Strategies of Chinese Multinationals—Some Empirical Evidence

The main purpose of this research is to understand the determinants of global integration strategies of Chinese Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). In this article, we identify four expansion strategies for Chinese MNEs, that is, horizontal, vertical, lateral and risk diversification and we investigate a series of location and firm-level factors that determine the adoption of each strategy. We present empirical evidence based on data from the 2008 Spring edition of the Lexis Nexis Corporate Affiliates Directory. Our results indicate that Chinese MNEs expand internationally through a grid of strategic choices which is diversified geographically and industrially.

Unfolding the Intra-organisational Perception Gap in Decision Making

This chapter explores the dyadic relationship between headquarters and in terms of their perceptions of decision-making loci and associated organisational structure. By comparing the responses of parents of Greek Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) and their subsidiaries, we find evidence in favour of a perception gap in terms of decision-making between headquarters and subsidiaries. We argue that future research needs to carefully consider and account for the perception gap and point out the importance of the role of MNE managers in removing such barriers in order to achieve effective decision-making.

Gender Diversity on Boards in Switzerland

Switzerland is known by most for its banks, watches, mountains, and chocolates. However, the small Alpine country is also one where the traditional view of the family is still prevalent and emphasizes the role of the husband as the breadwinner, and where diversity is not generally acknowledged as a business issue. Although gender diversity is increasing only slowly at higher hierarchical levels in Switzerland, there are signs of change, nevertheless. For instance, in December 2015, a draft for non-binding quotas was adopted for both boards of directors and top-management teams, with a recommended minority gender representation of 30 percent and 20 percent respectively (Swissinfo.ch 2015). However, those guidelines have yet to be drafted as legislation, and repeated attempts to introduce binding quotas have all failed. This chapter will give the reader an in-depth insight into the situation in Switzerland to shed light on how the current circumstances came about and the developments that may unfold over the coming years and decades. The chapter concludes with insights from an individual who is involved in practice in securing more positions for women on boards in Switzerland, as well as a short overview of the chapter’s main points.

The Overseas Expansion of Chinese Multinational Corporations

This original and important book explores how the interaction between China and multinational enterprises has the potential to affect the future of the Chinese economy, the global economy, and international business.