Searching for a dynamic theory of the multinational enterprise: A transaction cost model

Abstract

This paper constructs a transaction cost model that provides an explanation for the transition between two distinct governance modes for serving a foreign market; a wholly owned subsidiary and licensing. The paper initially outlines a single-period model of the factors that influence a firm's choice of governance mode. The model is then extended, first to incorporate a temporal perspective and then a dynamic perspective. The completed model identifies organizational and environmental contingencies that shape dynamic multi-period decision-making for the choice of governance mode.