Do investments by multinational corporations in less developed countries enhance or hinder economic development in those countries? This volume presents a re-evaulation of twenty-seven of the most important studies which were carried out to answer this question. The authors attempt to resolve the disparate findings which show that investment promotes short-run growth but in the long run retards growth. They also present a careful empirical analysis of the intervening political, social, and economic mechanisms through which the effects of investment are transmitted. The volume will clarify much speculation which has taken place about the world-systems perspective and will point the way toward more research which can resolve disputed areas of this theory.

This volume brings together world experts in international business who offer a commentary on the key activities of transnational corporations including strategy, economic development, government policy, technology and law

Examines transnational corporations and their effect on local labour and capital, and considers the future prospects for their involvement in the Third World.

Problems of development in what is normally called the Third World have been a subject matter of concern of the social sciences, lespecially of eco nomics, for over two decades now. 1 Between the late 1950s and the current time, as Chapter 2 attempts to show, the emphasis seems to have shifted from purely economic considerations of underdevelopment to a paradigm that includes other, extra-economic considerations of a social, political, and cultural nature. The recent emergence of development studies as a new social science discipline stems precisely from the methodological premise that development is a complex process that can only be adequately under of a stood, analyzed, and alleviated by a cross-disciplinary approach instead 2 wholly unidisciplinary one. We do not wish to challenge the above proposition. However, it remains of certain economic phenomena that pose problems true that an assessment of to developing countries can offer us greater insights into problems development, including the formulation of appropriate policies aimed at improving socioeconomic conditions in such countries. is restrictive business practices. This study is con One such phenomenon of restrictive business practices as they cerned mainly with surveying aspects relate to problems of development in the Third World. Restrictive business xiii xiv INTRODUCTION practices are not confined to developing countries; however, limited work seems to have been conducted in terms of relating the concept of restrictive business practices to problems of development. The existing evidence of restrictive business practices in the development process is quite fragmen tary.

Is the transnational coporation (TNC) an engine of growth capable of eliminating international economic inequalities or a major obstacle to development through a massive drain of surplus to advanced countries? This book presents five different perspectives on the role of TNCs: Neo-Classical Global Reach Neo-Imperialist Neo-Fundamentalist Internationalization of capital The author looks at their effect on local labour and capital, and considers the future prospects for TNC involvement in the Third World. The book provides an excellent comparative analysis of TNCs and will appeal to students in development studies and international economics.

Transnational Corporations, Technology Transfer and Development: A Bibliographic Sourcebook compiles references one can use in studying transnational corporations and related topics. The compilation divides various source materials into eight major themes. The sourcebook presents publications on the development of science and technology; the International Technology Gap and the NIEO; and transnational corporations and technology. The other groups of publications compiled mainly focus on the anatomy of corporate technology transfer; technology transfer and host countries; and sectoral analysis, wherein several case studies are included. The last two sets of reference materials are concerned with technology transfer and the home country and its regulation. This sourcebook will be invaluable to those in need of lists of reference materials on transnational corporations.

This volume offers a wide-reaching exploration of foreign direct investment and developmental impacts through case studies from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Central Europe, also examining the role of 'new players' such as Chinese, Indian and South African TNCs.

'. . . an updated and illuminating analysis of the main forces behind the development of transnational corporations. . .' Nicola Acocella, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Italy 'In the second edition of her authoritative book, this prominent figure in the study of transnational corporations has achieved an excellent job. . .' Wladimir Andreff, University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, France 'Do we really need a specific theory to interpret transnational. . .corporations,. . . The answer is yeas and this brilliant and inspiring book by Grazia Ietto-Gillies explains why.' Giovanni Balcet, University of Turin, Italy '. . . Brilliant analyses and comparisons of basic theories in the field.' Mats Forsgren, Uppsala University, Sweden '. . . a truly complrehensive perspective of the development on the theory of transnational corporations. . . It is a marvellous and admirable work.' Masahiko Itaki, Ritsumeikan University, Japan '. . . offers vibrant insights on the convergence of different theoretical strands on the emergence, role and effects of transnational corporations. . .' Lucia Piscitello, Politecnico di Milano, Italy 'From my experience students like it as it enables them to capture in short time the gist of a variety of theories and offers them useful conceptual perspectives. . .' Slavo Radosevic, University College London, UK '. . . this book will be the outstanding choice.' Mohammad Yamin, The University of Manchester, UK 'This is an excellent book which dares to accomplish a challenging mission.' Antonello Zanfei, University of Urbino, Italy This comprehensive critical analysis of concepts, theories and effects relating to transnational corporations will prove to be an invaluable learning tool to post graduate and advanced undergraduate students across a broad section of disciplines including business/international business, economics, international relations, and development studies. Thoroughly revised and updated, the second edition of this highly acclaimed textbook includes new features such as deeper analysis of evolutionary theories, a discussion of Penrose and of the Network theory, and an additional chapter on innovation effects. Lecturers and researchers wishing to familiarize themselves with the theoretical developments of the subject will find this book to be an effective and informative teaching resource.

Transnational corporations are one of the most important actors in the global economy, occupying a more powerful position than ever before. In their persistent battle to increase profits, they have increasingly turned to the developing world, a world that holds many attractions for them. But what is their impact on the poor? Now in its second edition, Big Business, Poor Peoples finds that these corporations are damaging the lives of millions of poor people in developing countries. Looking at every sector where transnational corporations are involved, this vital book is packed with detail on how the poor are affected. The book exposes how developing countries’ natural resources are being ceded to TNCs and how governments are unwilling or unable to control them. The author argues that TNCs, answerable to no one but their shareholders, have used their money, size and power to influence international negotiations and taken full advantage of the move towards privatization to influence government policies; sovereignty is passing into corporate hands, and the poor are paying the price. But people are fighting back: citizens, workers, and communities are exposing the corporations and looking for alternatives. The first edition of this path-breaking book put the issue of transnational corporations and the poor firmly on the agenda. This second edition contains significant new and updated material and is an essential read for anyone who wants to know more about the effects of corporate power on the poor.