Global Norm Formation in Multinational Companies: Understanding the Work of Globalizing Actors

The Rutgers-Renmin Center for Global Work and Employment announces the first event in its 2019 lecture series on "The Global Debate on the Future of Work."

Guest Speaker

Tony Edwards (Loughborough University of London), a well-known expert on international management, will speak on: "Global Norm Formation in Multinational Companies: Understanding the Work of Globalizing Actors."

Edwards' paper identifies, and establishes a framework for research into norm-making in multinational companies (MNCs) through analyzing the work of what we term ‘globalizing actors’ – those responsible for the creation, dissemination and implementation of norms which are intended to contribute to the integration of the operations on MNCs internationally. The research framework draws upon Fligstein and McAdam’s theory of strategic action fields, which, the paper argues, is particularly appropriate for research into individual actors and their strategies within complex structural environments. Building on this theory, we propose adaptations appropriate for the context of norm-making in international firms. Drawing on ongoing empirical work, we consider cases of global norm formation and the variety of types of globalizing actor involved in these processes.

SMLR's Maria Kraimer (HRM) and Mingwei Liu (LSER) will lead a discussion after the presentation. Lunch will be served.

For more information, contact Tobias Schulze-Cleven, Associate Director, Center for Global Work and Employment at tobias.schulzecleven@rutgers.edu.