Offshoring and backshoring: A multiple case study analysis

Abstract Motivations underscoring offshoring and backshoring are typically investigated as separate entities in the academic literature. This separation undermines a deeper comprehension of the two phenomena, and implicitly denies the conceptualization of backshoring as a possible step of the firm internationalization process. Our paper seeks to fill this gap by (1) understanding the relations (if any) among offshoring and backshoring motivations at firm level; (2) exploring whether backshoring is a "failure" of the offshoring initiative, or rather the evolution of the firm's competitive and location strategies. A content-based literature review provides the base for the identification of the key motives for offshoring and backshoring, which are then organised using a theory-grounded framework. Next, we conduct a multiple case study analysis based on four companies, searching for common patterns in offshoring and subsequent backshoring initiatives. Cases allow understanding how the motivations (Why) connect with the governance modes (How), and the location choice (Where). Building on the case findings, the paper presents some propositions for future empirical research

What drives investment in telecommunications? The role of regulation, firms’ internationalization and market knowledge

The aim of this paper is to classify the firms operating in the European telecommunications market according to their degree of internationalization and market knowledge, and to test the effects of this classification and the existence of access regulation on infrastructure investment in European broadband markets. To do so, we construct a (unique) data set for the 27 European countries for the period 2002 to 2009. We estimate, by means of panel data techniques (and instrumental variables to control for any potential endogeneity problem), an investment equation for all firms and separate equations for entrant and incumbent firms. Our results show no significant relation between regulation and total investment. The variables capturing the degree of internationalization and market knowledge have a positive and significant effect on total investment, being a positive and significant effect on entrants’ investment, but no significant impact on that of incumbent firms. This result indicates that, under the current regulatory framework, the firms that invest most are entrants with international experience, while the expansion of incumbents into other countries does not affect their investments in their home countries.Telecommunications, regulation, investment, internationalization, knowledge

Reshoring paths: italian cases from the apparel industry

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What drives investment in telecommunications? The role of regulation, firms’ internationalization and market knowledge

The aim of this paper is to classify the firms operating in the European telecommunications market according to their degree of internationalization and market knowledge, and to test the effects of this classification and the existence of access regulation on infrastructure investment in European broadband markets. To do so, we construct a (unique) data set for the 27 European countries for the period 2002 to 2009. We estimate, by means of panel data techniques (and instrumental variables to control for any potential endogeneity problem), an investment equation for all firms and separate equations for entrant and incumbent firms. Our results show no significant relation between regulation and total investment. The variables capturing the degree of internationalization and market knowledge have a positive and significant effect on total investment, being a positive and significant effect on entrants’ investment, but no significant impact on that of incumbent firms. This result indicates that, under the current regulatory framework, the firms that invest most are entrants with international experience, while the expansion of incumbents into other countries does not affect their investments in their home countries

Organizational Perceptions and Responses to the Natural Environment

In 2005, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment reported that two-thirds of the world’s ecosystems were being exploited well beyond sustainable levels. Given that many firms across sectors rely on natural resources to conduct business, it is surprising that many have failed to make their business practices more sustainable. I believe this occurs not because companies are acting in their own enlightened self-interests, but because they are unable to perceive the severity of such issues. The key is that perceptual deficiencies are not the result of blatant disregard, but of systemic incompatibility. That is, most companies do not choose to ignore environmental harm, but their orientation is such that they often overlook it. The goal of this dissertation is to offer an in-depth conceptualization and analysis of the role that geographical space plays in shaping a firm’s relationship to the natural environment. To do so, I develop three distinct but compatible essays that collectively answer the question, what affect does geographical space have in influencing a firm’s attention and response to environmental issues? In the first essay, I develop a comprehensive theory of scale within the context of environmental issues, to highlight how organizational attention is constrained by scale such that when there is fit in scale between the organization and environmental issue, organizational attention will be enhanced and will result in better corporate environmental performance. In the second essay, I go forward and empirically test the organizational dimensions of scale, which I define as geographical orientation, with the prediction that certain scale characteristics can impede a firm’s ability to perceive important environmental issues. The analysis reveals that the spread and concentration of a firm’s assets affects its environmental performance. For the third essay, in the context of chemical emissions, I explore whether the environmental materiality of an issue affects a firm’s environmental performance. The results support the general proposition that the spatial characteristics of the issue affect a firm’s environmental performance through time. Taken as a whole, this dissertation sheds some light on possible ways to identify and potentially mitigate unsustainable corporate behavior