Multinationals, Local Capacity Building and Development: The Role of Chinese and European MNEs (New Horizons in International Business series)

Drawing on original research, Multinationals, Local Capacity Building and Development presents an extensive analysis of MNEs in Africa, taking Ghana as a case study, and broaching subject matter previously unaddressed in the field. Looking at MNEs impacts - both positive and negative - this book examines skill transfer from foreign management to local workers, the impact of MNEs on the improvement of local production capabilities, as well as their contributions to sustainable development goals. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are everywhere and the perception of their engagement in myriad activities ranges between extremely positive and extremely negative. Based on original comprehensive research, this groundbreaking book examines the impact of Chinese and European MNEs in the African context. Sharing knowledge and insights from the authors'empirical research, Multinationals, Local Capacity Building and Development uses Ghana as a case study to analyse trends in MNEs and assess the advantages and disadvantages of their involvement. The book examines the role of MNEs in Ghana's industrial sector, their management practices and the effects of skill transfer from foreign managers to local workers. The authors explore the impact MNEs are having on the development of local capabilities, the contribution of MNEs to sustainable development goals, and the benefits and drawbacks of foreign direct investment in Ghana. Previously unexamined roles of work and social networks, and the differences between European and Chinese MNEs, are exposed, all subjects previously unaddressed in the field. The insights presented in this book will be of significant interest to policy makers, both public and private sector development practitioners, and students of development, as well as any readers concerned with addressing better engagement with key economic actors on the African continent. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are everywhere and the perception of their engagement in myriad activities ranges between extremely positive and extremely negative. Based on original comprehensive research, this groundbreaking book examines the impact of Chinese and European MNEs in the African context. Sharing knowledge and insights from the authors' empirical research, Multinationals, Local Capacity Building and Development uses Ghana as a case study to analyse trends in MNEs and assess the advantages and disadvantages of their involvement. The book examines the role of MNEs in Ghana's industrial sector, their management practices and the effects of skill transfer from foreign managers to local workers. The authors explore the impact MNEs are having on the development of local capabilities, the contribution of MNEs to sustainable development goals, and the benefits and drawbacks of foreign direct investment in Ghana. The roles of work and social networks, and the differences between European and Chinese MNEs, all subjects previously unaddressed in the field are exposed in depth. The insights presented in this book will be of significant interest to policy makers, both public and private sector development practitioners, and students of development, as well as any readers concerned with addressing better engagement with key economic actors on the African continent Contents 6 About the authors 7 Acknowledgements 9 1. Introduction 12 2. MNEs, managerial knowledge transfer and local capability building: Conceptual framework 26 3. MNEs and the industrial sector in Ghana 37 4. Management practices of MNEs in Ghana 57 5. Knowledge transfer in MNEs in Africa: A comparison between Chinese and European MNEs in Ghana 78 6. MNEs and managerial knowledge transfer to Africa: A comparison between Chinese and European MNEs in the construction sector i 106 7. MNEs and their impact on local capabilities building and sustainable development 130 8. Conclusions and policy implications 143 References 153 Appendix: Questionnaires 167 Index 224 Multinationals,Local Capacity Building and Development