Edward Elgar Publishing Japanese Multinationals in Europe: A Comparison of the Automobile and Pharmaceutical Industries (New Horizons in International Business series)

This book explores the regional strategy and management of Japanese MNEs in Europe. Ken-ichi Ando investigates, using case studies of the auto and pharmaceutical industries, how these companies can, and do, overcome the inherent difficulties and opportunities of trading in Europe, including the problems posed by cultural differences and geography, alongside the opportunities of expanding markets. While these companies are global players, they must increasingly be aware of, and evolve in response to, European economic integration. The strategy setting and management are influenced by company- and industry-specific factors, and some common features can be found. The locational and entry strategies are based both on the multinationals' own resources and capability, and on the changing locational conditions, while pan-European management is conducted to achieve the benefits of 'multinationality' at the regional level. The mutual relationships between the location of subsidiaries, the entry mode, and the pan-European operation are clearly shown from the detailed analysis at the company level. The impacts and limits of the EU on multinationals are also confirmed in the book, and the importance of national characteristics is suggested. Scholars and graduate students studying international business and economics, as well as European integration will find this book of great interest. Review 'The analysis of investment flows between Japan and Europe has received less attention than those to North America or Asia, so this book adds an important contribution to the literature. . . The book offers insights to both the specialist in Japanese investment practices and the generalist interested in better understanding business strategies. It is well written, and the arguments are presented clearly and persuasively. Clear contributions are made to the globalization/regionalization debate.' About the Author Ken-ichi Ando, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Shizuoka University, Japan