AIB 2012 Conference Proceedings - Academy of International ...

MONDAY
This research investigates the determinants of subsidiary's global initiative by integrating human capital,
knowledge management, and network theory. In the perspective of network theory, the knowledge-based
resources within MNCs network are the basis of subsidiary initiative. Taken from knowledge management
perspective, subsidiary's learning mechanism determine subsidiary's initiative. In the perspective of human
capital theory, the practices of human capital investment can foster subsidiary's learning mechanism and than
lead to subsidiary's global initiative. This research expects to do investigate research by using questionnaires
during the period of research abroad in Asian area and hope to find out how subsidiary can use the plentiful
knowledge-based resources within MNCs network and lead to subsidiary's global initiative. (For more
information, please contact: Wan-Ching Chen, Sun Yat-Sen University, Taiwan: paospaos@gmail.com)
The Effects of Non-Proximity on Staffing in Foreign Investments
Kevin K. Boeh, Pacific Lutheran University
Paul W. Beamish, University of Western Ontario
While evolving technologies are surely enabling better management across geographic distances, physical
separation remains important in the choice of leadership and staffing of expatriates in foreign investments. The
distance between parent firms and their foreign subsidiaries is measured by dyad travel time, the time required
to transit the distance. Controlling for the effects of separation on governance choice, distal subsidiaries are
staffed with fewer expatriates and more often have host country leadership. The results show that firm resource
allocation decisions are affected by the (non-) proximity of investments, and an employee preference for
proximate assignments. (For more information, please contact: Kevin K. Boeh, Pacific Lutheran University, USA:
boehkk@plu.edu)
The Influences of High Performance Human Resource Practices on Knowledge Capacity and Innovation
Performance - An Example of Taiwanese MNCs
Huei-Fang Chen, Soochow University
In view of research limitations concerning the high performance human resource practice, I examined processes
linking high performance human resource practices and innovation performance. This study conducted a survey
of Taiwanese MNC subsidiaries in foreign environments. A LISREL model was used to test the research
hypotheses. The major results of this research reveal that high performance human resource practices have a
positive and significant influence on a foreign unit's knowledge capacity, knowledge management process, and
innovation performance. Moreover, it confirms the mediating role of knowledge capacity between high
performance human resource practices and innovation performance. Research implications are discussed and
future study suggestions are recommended lastly. (For more information, please contact: Huei-Fang Chen,
Soochow University, Taiwan: hfchen@scu.edu.tw)
Session: 2.3.P - Special Session
International Business-Government Relations: Quo Vadis (AIB Fellows Session in Honor
of Jean Boddewyn)
Presented On: July 2, 2012 - 13:00-14:15
Chair: Robert Grosse, George Mason University
Guest Speaker:
Jean Boddewyn, Baruch College, CUNY
AIB 2012 Conference Proceedings
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