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Papers by Maureen Benson-rea
Management International Review (Forthcoming)
The paper analyses how multinational enterprises (MNEs) manage their interactions with host gover... more The paper analyses how multinational enterprises (MNEs) manage their interactions with host governments during the market entry process. A qualitative multiple case study collected data through in-depth interviews with multiple participants in six New Zealand MNEs. The analysis identifies two distinct political schemas which represent MNE managers’ assumptions and heuristics regarding how to approach interactions with foreign governments - systematic and episodic, which lead to the enactment of distinct patterns of political activities, each supported by certain political resources and capabilities. We then identify several sources of the variations in these two political schemas at the managerial, firm, industry, and country levels of analysis. Our study deepens understanding of the micro-processes of corporate political activity (CPA) and the processes and activities through which political resources and capabilities are developed, deployed and leveraged by MNE actors in managing their interactions with host governments during the market entry process. In doing so, we highlight the role of international experience in influencing the process of political capability development, and also the role of managerial actions in shaping this evolutionary process.
Academy of Management Proceedings , 2015
We propose a process model of organizational decision-making that integrates sensemaking and choi... more We propose a process model of organizational decision-making that integrates sensemaking and choice processes, which are usually decoupled in the sensemaking and decision-making literature. We argue that a sensemaking approach to decision-making can shed light not only on how decisions are made, but also on the process of meaning-making and on how organizations enact and make sense of their environment. We argue that such approach is shaped by three determinants (External and internal triggers, firms’ attention structures, and firms prior experience and knowledge) that interact to explain different decision-making trajectories by which decision-makers engage in sensemaking processes to construct shared interpretations that guide their choice processes.
This paper reports on a study which aims to add to theoretical understanding of how and why compa... more This paper reports on a study which aims to add to theoretical understanding of how and why companies use relationships in their strategies. Studies in the field of strategy are under-socialised and traditional industry analyses, whilst capturing competitive dynamics, contain little human interaction. Studies of networks and relationships, whilst expressing the essence of relationships and interactions, perhaps take less account
Prometheus, 2013
ABSTRACT New Zealand’s remarkable transformation from a wool and meat producer to a highly divers... more ABSTRACT New Zealand’s remarkable transformation from a wool and meat producer to a highly diversified economy is one of the more remarkable economic stories of the post-World War II period. Part of this diversification is tied to New Zealand’s development as a world-class wine producer, a remarkable feat given its small population. New Zealand’s institutional arrangements provide an example for other small agriculturally-based producers wishing to move to higher value-added production. To supplement the existing literature, mail surveys, phone and Skype interviews were carried out by the authors in spring and summer 2012. In addition, the authors held several informative discussions with local experts during the AAWE Conference in Stellenbosch in summer 2013. Experts came from academia, industry and government, as one would expect with a study on the Triple Helix model. Several agreed to review the document for factual accuracy, though the interpretations are solely those of the authors. While New Zealand’s institutions support the basic premise of the Triple Helix framework, that is, of the need for coordination of research, production and policy efforts, there are some important additional elements that are noteworthy for other small producers. Niche specialisation around a long-term strategy and a limited but strategic role for government are important, but the more remarkable feature is the ability to harness multinational investment towards local development. Yet, as we discuss, such approaches also carry with them their own vulnerabilities, requiring further strategy adjustments on the part of firms.
JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, 2010
European Studies: A Journal of …, 2005
This paper offers an analysis of business relations between New Zea-land and Europe with a focus ... more This paper offers an analysis of business relations between New Zea-land and Europe with a focus on the firm and sector level strategies being pursued by New Zealand organisations in the EU market. The paper sets out, in terms of New Zealand's global position, why the ...
Abstract This paper offers an analysis of business relations between New Zea-land and Europe with... more Abstract This paper offers an analysis of business relations between New Zea-land and Europe with a focus on the firm and sector level strategies being pursued by New Zealand organisations in the EU market. The paper sets out, in terms of New Zealand's global position, why the ...
European Management Journal, 2008
This paper seeks to broaden theoretical understanding of International Entrepreneurship towards a... more This paper seeks to broaden theoretical understanding of International Entrepreneurship towards a unifying conceptual framework by addressing the fundamental question of what mechanisms secure long-run International New Venture (INV) survival and growth. We propose a ...
[From the Introduction] The changing profile of New Zealand society, the possible weakening of tr... more [From the Introduction] The changing profile of New Zealand society, the possible weakening of traditional ties to the UK, as well as New Zealand’s potential Asian “identity”, all serve to underline the need for empirical analysis of contemporary general public perceptions of Europe, one of the dominant economic, political and cultural partners for New Zealand. On the other side of this important relationship, the European Union places great value on its external relations. This initial study offers a unique view of the EU from the outside; the findings constitute the beginning of a longer-term analysis of NZ-EU perceptions. This brochure presents the results and concluding comments of a quantitative study of the perceptions of the EU among New Zealand citizens. The study was launched and carried out by the National Centre for Research on Europe, at the University of Canterbury. These results are the first of their kind in New Zealand. There has been no previous study that explores ...
Using the New Zealand wine industry as a case study we examine the challenges in developing a gen... more Using the New Zealand wine industry as a case study we examine the challenges in developing a generic branding strategy to sustain its high value positioning as the industry transitions from being a global allocator to global marketing. The paper"s contribution is to give a broad picture of branding as it may apply to a national wine industry and potentially to regions within that rather than merely to one company. This is done through identifying the key research issues at the firm, brand and national levels of the New Zealand industry, which could be applicable in other contexts.
This research builds on theory around location-based and firm-based advantages. It investigates t... more This research builds on theory around location-based and firm-based advantages. It investigates the role of location as a source of country-specific advantages (CSAs) and the role of product innovation as a source of firm-specific advantages (FSAs) with regards to firm internationalisation. The context of this research is New Zealand based small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in the outdoor sport goods industry, particularly the sub sectors yachting and outdoor clothing. The results provide insights for both researchers and practitioners in international business and sports business. The first key finding is that New Zealand as location matters. SMEs in the outdoor sport goods industry tend to rely their strategies on CSAs that are based on the location. Secondly, a strong connection between product innovation and internationalisation is suggested. High levels of internationalisation are found for firms that rely their strategy on location-based advantages and product innovation...
Competition & Change, 2015
ABSTRACT Buyer firms in the apparel industry are using environmental standards to coordinate thei... more ABSTRACT Buyer firms in the apparel industry are using environmental standards to coordinate their global value chains (GVCs). In turn, supplier firms are complying with environmental standards as a way to increase their competitiveness. This article addresses the nascent gap in the GVC literature in relation to firm- and chain-level responses to environmental concerns, which enable apparel firms to upgrade. The article examines the drivers and conditions under which apparel firms embrace environmental upgrading in Sri Lanka. Findings suggest that GVCs represent both the drivers of environmental upgrading and the means by which to obtain the knowledge needed to upgrade particularly for firms in relational networks. The strategic intent and capability of the suppliers to assimilate the transfer of knowledge and upgrade are critical. However, upgrading does not necessarily yield higher profits for supplier firms. The incentive for upgraded firms to maintain their environmental performance is competitive advantage arising from reduced costs.
This empirically driven paper presents a conceptual model which relates performance to both the l... more This empirically driven paper presents a conceptual model which relates performance to both the lifecycle of the firm and of its networks. The data imply that the ability to fundamentally change network focus, what we have called network revolution, might enhance firm performance. This network structure-process-performance nexus is explored by combining the entrepreneurial and IMP literatures. We suggest that bringing
Sport Management Review, 2014
Multinational Business Review, 2012
ABSTRACT Purpose – This article aims to investigate how country location, as a source of country-... more ABSTRACT Purpose – This article aims to investigate how country location, as a source of country-specific advantage (CSA), and product innovation, as a source of firm-specific advantage (FSA), influence the international expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their growth to become multinational enterprises (MNEs). It also aims to confirm internalization theory by testing the applicability of an extant concept, the FSA/CSA framework for the international expansion of SMEs. Developed and empirically validated largely in the context of the MNE, this paper seeks to show how the framework can be applied in the context of SMEs that develop into MNEs. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach is employed within a single industry setting using multiple cases. Propositions are formulated to explain the theorized relationships between innovation and the growth of SMEs in a sector which depends heavily on specific CSAs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and archival data, and are analyzed in data displays, tables and matrices. Findings – The article finds that location of the industry cases as a source of CSAs, and product innovation as a source of FSAs, are highly relevant for growing New Zealand SMEs into MNEs. The study applies internalization theory to the growth strategies of SMEs. Originality/value – This research combines extant theory and a specific context in order to analyze phenomena through a distinct conceptual lens. It confirms the CSA/FSA framework by applying it in a new empirical context. It can inform decision-makers in growing SMEs on the strategic and international implications of firm and location advantages.
International Migration, 2003
ABSTRACT This paper reports on a research programme that has investigated the migration experienc... more ABSTRACT This paper reports on a research programme that has investigated the migration experiences of highly skilled professional and business migrants to New Zealand. Over a four-year period, five separate studies have been conducted on the stages in the process of migration. The paper sets out a model of the stages of the migration process and the data and analysis which it has guided. Of particular interest are the information sources available to potential migrants and employers, the cultural sensitivity of settlement processes and the migrants' subsequent ease of access to the labour market. The paper analyses information flows available to migrants at crucial phases in the migration process based on a stages model of the migration process. The model indicates some of the critical steps, interactions, and decisions in the migration process from the individual's point of view. Crucial information gaps are identified and implications are drawn for actors involved at the different stages.
International Journal of Wine Business Research, 2010
European Management Journal, 2003
This empirically-driven paper presents a conceptual framework relating the use of inter-organisat... more This empirically-driven paper presents a conceptual framework relating the use of inter-organisational networks to learning, moderated by the firm and industry lifecycles. The data imply that the ability to fundamentally change network focus, which we have called ...
Management International Review (Forthcoming)
The paper analyses how multinational enterprises (MNEs) manage their interactions with host gover... more The paper analyses how multinational enterprises (MNEs) manage their interactions with host governments during the market entry process. A qualitative multiple case study collected data through in-depth interviews with multiple participants in six New Zealand MNEs. The analysis identifies two distinct political schemas which represent MNE managers’ assumptions and heuristics regarding how to approach interactions with foreign governments - systematic and episodic, which lead to the enactment of distinct patterns of political activities, each supported by certain political resources and capabilities. We then identify several sources of the variations in these two political schemas at the managerial, firm, industry, and country levels of analysis. Our study deepens understanding of the micro-processes of corporate political activity (CPA) and the processes and activities through which political resources and capabilities are developed, deployed and leveraged by MNE actors in managing their interactions with host governments during the market entry process. In doing so, we highlight the role of international experience in influencing the process of political capability development, and also the role of managerial actions in shaping this evolutionary process.
Academy of Management Proceedings , 2015
We propose a process model of organizational decision-making that integrates sensemaking and choi... more We propose a process model of organizational decision-making that integrates sensemaking and choice processes, which are usually decoupled in the sensemaking and decision-making literature. We argue that a sensemaking approach to decision-making can shed light not only on how decisions are made, but also on the process of meaning-making and on how organizations enact and make sense of their environment. We argue that such approach is shaped by three determinants (External and internal triggers, firms’ attention structures, and firms prior experience and knowledge) that interact to explain different decision-making trajectories by which decision-makers engage in sensemaking processes to construct shared interpretations that guide their choice processes.
This paper reports on a study which aims to add to theoretical understanding of how and why compa... more This paper reports on a study which aims to add to theoretical understanding of how and why companies use relationships in their strategies. Studies in the field of strategy are under-socialised and traditional industry analyses, whilst capturing competitive dynamics, contain little human interaction. Studies of networks and relationships, whilst expressing the essence of relationships and interactions, perhaps take less account
Prometheus, 2013
ABSTRACT New Zealand’s remarkable transformation from a wool and meat producer to a highly divers... more ABSTRACT New Zealand’s remarkable transformation from a wool and meat producer to a highly diversified economy is one of the more remarkable economic stories of the post-World War II period. Part of this diversification is tied to New Zealand’s development as a world-class wine producer, a remarkable feat given its small population. New Zealand’s institutional arrangements provide an example for other small agriculturally-based producers wishing to move to higher value-added production. To supplement the existing literature, mail surveys, phone and Skype interviews were carried out by the authors in spring and summer 2012. In addition, the authors held several informative discussions with local experts during the AAWE Conference in Stellenbosch in summer 2013. Experts came from academia, industry and government, as one would expect with a study on the Triple Helix model. Several agreed to review the document for factual accuracy, though the interpretations are solely those of the authors. While New Zealand’s institutions support the basic premise of the Triple Helix framework, that is, of the need for coordination of research, production and policy efforts, there are some important additional elements that are noteworthy for other small producers. Niche specialisation around a long-term strategy and a limited but strategic role for government are important, but the more remarkable feature is the ability to harness multinational investment towards local development. Yet, as we discuss, such approaches also carry with them their own vulnerabilities, requiring further strategy adjustments on the part of firms.
JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, 2010
European Studies: A Journal of …, 2005
This paper offers an analysis of business relations between New Zea-land and Europe with a focus ... more This paper offers an analysis of business relations between New Zea-land and Europe with a focus on the firm and sector level strategies being pursued by New Zealand organisations in the EU market. The paper sets out, in terms of New Zealand's global position, why the ...
Abstract This paper offers an analysis of business relations between New Zea-land and Europe with... more Abstract This paper offers an analysis of business relations between New Zea-land and Europe with a focus on the firm and sector level strategies being pursued by New Zealand organisations in the EU market. The paper sets out, in terms of New Zealand's global position, why the ...
European Management Journal, 2008
This paper seeks to broaden theoretical understanding of International Entrepreneurship towards a... more This paper seeks to broaden theoretical understanding of International Entrepreneurship towards a unifying conceptual framework by addressing the fundamental question of what mechanisms secure long-run International New Venture (INV) survival and growth. We propose a ...
[From the Introduction] The changing profile of New Zealand society, the possible weakening of tr... more [From the Introduction] The changing profile of New Zealand society, the possible weakening of traditional ties to the UK, as well as New Zealand’s potential Asian “identity”, all serve to underline the need for empirical analysis of contemporary general public perceptions of Europe, one of the dominant economic, political and cultural partners for New Zealand. On the other side of this important relationship, the European Union places great value on its external relations. This initial study offers a unique view of the EU from the outside; the findings constitute the beginning of a longer-term analysis of NZ-EU perceptions. This brochure presents the results and concluding comments of a quantitative study of the perceptions of the EU among New Zealand citizens. The study was launched and carried out by the National Centre for Research on Europe, at the University of Canterbury. These results are the first of their kind in New Zealand. There has been no previous study that explores ...
Using the New Zealand wine industry as a case study we examine the challenges in developing a gen... more Using the New Zealand wine industry as a case study we examine the challenges in developing a generic branding strategy to sustain its high value positioning as the industry transitions from being a global allocator to global marketing. The paper"s contribution is to give a broad picture of branding as it may apply to a national wine industry and potentially to regions within that rather than merely to one company. This is done through identifying the key research issues at the firm, brand and national levels of the New Zealand industry, which could be applicable in other contexts.
This research builds on theory around location-based and firm-based advantages. It investigates t... more This research builds on theory around location-based and firm-based advantages. It investigates the role of location as a source of country-specific advantages (CSAs) and the role of product innovation as a source of firm-specific advantages (FSAs) with regards to firm internationalisation. The context of this research is New Zealand based small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in the outdoor sport goods industry, particularly the sub sectors yachting and outdoor clothing. The results provide insights for both researchers and practitioners in international business and sports business. The first key finding is that New Zealand as location matters. SMEs in the outdoor sport goods industry tend to rely their strategies on CSAs that are based on the location. Secondly, a strong connection between product innovation and internationalisation is suggested. High levels of internationalisation are found for firms that rely their strategy on location-based advantages and product innovation...
Competition & Change, 2015
ABSTRACT Buyer firms in the apparel industry are using environmental standards to coordinate thei... more ABSTRACT Buyer firms in the apparel industry are using environmental standards to coordinate their global value chains (GVCs). In turn, supplier firms are complying with environmental standards as a way to increase their competitiveness. This article addresses the nascent gap in the GVC literature in relation to firm- and chain-level responses to environmental concerns, which enable apparel firms to upgrade. The article examines the drivers and conditions under which apparel firms embrace environmental upgrading in Sri Lanka. Findings suggest that GVCs represent both the drivers of environmental upgrading and the means by which to obtain the knowledge needed to upgrade particularly for firms in relational networks. The strategic intent and capability of the suppliers to assimilate the transfer of knowledge and upgrade are critical. However, upgrading does not necessarily yield higher profits for supplier firms. The incentive for upgraded firms to maintain their environmental performance is competitive advantage arising from reduced costs.
This empirically driven paper presents a conceptual model which relates performance to both the l... more This empirically driven paper presents a conceptual model which relates performance to both the lifecycle of the firm and of its networks. The data imply that the ability to fundamentally change network focus, what we have called network revolution, might enhance firm performance. This network structure-process-performance nexus is explored by combining the entrepreneurial and IMP literatures. We suggest that bringing
Sport Management Review, 2014
Multinational Business Review, 2012
ABSTRACT Purpose – This article aims to investigate how country location, as a source of country-... more ABSTRACT Purpose – This article aims to investigate how country location, as a source of country-specific advantage (CSA), and product innovation, as a source of firm-specific advantage (FSA), influence the international expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their growth to become multinational enterprises (MNEs). It also aims to confirm internalization theory by testing the applicability of an extant concept, the FSA/CSA framework for the international expansion of SMEs. Developed and empirically validated largely in the context of the MNE, this paper seeks to show how the framework can be applied in the context of SMEs that develop into MNEs. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach is employed within a single industry setting using multiple cases. Propositions are formulated to explain the theorized relationships between innovation and the growth of SMEs in a sector which depends heavily on specific CSAs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and archival data, and are analyzed in data displays, tables and matrices. Findings – The article finds that location of the industry cases as a source of CSAs, and product innovation as a source of FSAs, are highly relevant for growing New Zealand SMEs into MNEs. The study applies internalization theory to the growth strategies of SMEs. Originality/value – This research combines extant theory and a specific context in order to analyze phenomena through a distinct conceptual lens. It confirms the CSA/FSA framework by applying it in a new empirical context. It can inform decision-makers in growing SMEs on the strategic and international implications of firm and location advantages.
International Migration, 2003
ABSTRACT This paper reports on a research programme that has investigated the migration experienc... more ABSTRACT This paper reports on a research programme that has investigated the migration experiences of highly skilled professional and business migrants to New Zealand. Over a four-year period, five separate studies have been conducted on the stages in the process of migration. The paper sets out a model of the stages of the migration process and the data and analysis which it has guided. Of particular interest are the information sources available to potential migrants and employers, the cultural sensitivity of settlement processes and the migrants' subsequent ease of access to the labour market. The paper analyses information flows available to migrants at crucial phases in the migration process based on a stages model of the migration process. The model indicates some of the critical steps, interactions, and decisions in the migration process from the individual's point of view. Crucial information gaps are identified and implications are drawn for actors involved at the different stages.
International Journal of Wine Business Research, 2010
European Management Journal, 2003
This empirically-driven paper presents a conceptual framework relating the use of inter-organisat... more This empirically-driven paper presents a conceptual framework relating the use of inter-organisational networks to learning, moderated by the firm and industry lifecycles. The data imply that the ability to fundamentally change network focus, which we have called ...
Debate over 'loyalty transfer' in the European Union (EU) centres on the assumption that elite so... more Debate over 'loyalty transfer' in the European Union (EU) centres on the assumption that elite socialisation and 'spillover' processes lead inevitably to changes in the behaviour and identities of European officials. This article interrogates that notion by exploring how officials in the EU external delegations represent Europe. The Lisbon Treaty (2009) will transform the delegations in ways that are emblematic of the EU's evolution as a global actor. Drawing on empirical insights we examine the way EU diplomats embody the European idea and understand their role in promoting 'the European Union interests and values around the world'. At a moment of historic transition, the article highlights some of the cultural dynamics currently transforming European diplomacy and how officials conceptualize their work of 'delivering EU external relations policy'. We argue that Europeanization and loyalty transfer are complicated by inter-institutional rivalries that raise problematic questions over who can best claim to 'speak for Europe'.
Purpose: To situate sustainability within research and practice on long-term business strategy. W... more Purpose: To situate sustainability within research and practice on long-term business strategy. We do this through the concept of business models and explore how firms in an industry adopt environmental sustainability in their strategies.
Design/methodology/approach: We discuss recent research on business models and relate it to the context of the global wine industry. Through the lens of one national industry, we explore the concept of sustainable business models and how firms can adapt their value-creating business models to address key threats and opportunities.
Findings: We present some parameters for firm and industry level strategic options and choice. We identify a number of theoretical issues of definition to be resolved and find that, whilst sustainable winegrowing might provide a new focus at an industry level, it remains unclear whether this will become a threshold capability rather than a source of competitive advantage - that is, an entry level requirement to compete rather than a basis on which to outperform the competition as a factor for which customers are prepared to pay.
Practical implications: Business models are highly significant but poorly understood. Further research in this area, especially international, firm and regional level comparisons, will help managers to operate consciously from a model of how their entire business system works and to change their strategies to address global industry and market dynamics. This is particularly relevant for smaller industries such as New Zealand which is facing unprecedented problems of profitability and defence of its premium niche.