A transaction cost analysis of staffing decisions in international operations

Gabriel R.G. Benito, Jaime Alfonso Bonache Pérez, José Pla-Barber, Sverre Tomassen

Research output: Indexed journal article Articlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper analyzes staffing decisions in foreign subsidiaries from the perspective of transaction cost theory. We focus on the ex post transaction costs of the employment relation. Specifically, we look at the monitoring, bonding, maladaptation, and bargaining costs of conducting activities in specific subsidiaries in a foreign country. We hypothesize that the transaction costs of using expatriates are lower than those generated by local employees, especially in the higher managerial echelons of foreign subsidiaries, but also that costs can be reduced as individuals become more experienced. We also conjecture that ex post transaction costs are influenced by cultural differences between the host and the home countries, and by characteristics of the companies and their subsidiaries. The framework is empirically corroborated by survey data on a sample of 145 Norwegian MNCs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)101-126
JournalScandinavian Journal of Management
Volume21
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2005
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A transaction cost analysis of staffing decisions in international operations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this