Influencing MNC strategies for managing corruption and favouritism in Pacific Asia countries: a multiple-theory configurational perspective

ABSTRACT

The research gap addressed here concerns how to encourage multinational corporations (MNCs) to combat corruption and favouritism. This study’s rationale is that MNCs can have a highly influential role in supporting or opposing such practices globally. The study examines how MNCs might choose flexibly among alternative strategies but could be encouraged positively. Three illustrative strategies are described in detail using theoretical propositions: (1) anti-corruption reform; (2) ‘tightrope’ balancing; and (3) tolerance for corrupt practices. A proposed multiple-theory configurational perspective is consistent with secondary data and reported cases about domestic corruption and MNC propensity to bribe focused on Pacific Asia countries.

KEYWORDS:

• Pacific Asia
• APEC
• MNC
• configurational perspective
• corruption
• favouritism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Duane Windsor

Duane Windsor is the Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Management in Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. His research and teaching emphasize corporate social responsibility and stakeholder theory. He has a research interest in anti-corruption reform.