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Published in: Asia Pacific Journal of Management 1/2008

01-03-2008 | Reviews

Real options and MNE strategies in Asia Pacific

Authors: Tony W. Tong, Jing Li

Published in: Asia Pacific Journal of Management | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Asia Pacific offers a lot of promising growth opportunities, but it also presents high levels of uncertainty for multinational enterprises (MNEs). In this paper, we introduce real options theory as a theory of investment under uncertainty, and we discuss its implications for MNEs and their strategies with a focus on the emerging economies in Asia Pacific. We suggest that MNEs must recognize the various sources of uncertainty, as well as the various options embedded in their investments, and real options theory can help them structure and design their investments to benefit from uncertainty. In particular, MNEs need to develop the dynamic capabilities of managing real options in their investments to respond to the evolving economic and institutional environment in the region. This paper also provides several implications for policy makers in Asia Pacific to stimulate investment activities in the region and to help their firms venture successfully in the international market place.

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Footnotes
1
Li (2007) and Li and Tong (2007) compare real options theory with traditional theories in international business strategy, such as internalization theory, transaction cost theory, and the stages model of internationalization theory. Tong and Reuer (2007a) provide an overview of real options theory in the strategy field; Li, Barclay, Madhavan and Mahoney (2007) review real options theory and its applications in various strategy contexts; and the review of Li (2007) and synthesis of real options research focuses on international strategy.
 
2
For example, EIU (2007a) reports that in Indonesia, corruption is still perceived to be rife despite a high-profile crackdown, legal uncertainty is still a concern, and bureaucracy remains problematic; in South Korea, labor market is still rigid and prone to disruptive unrest; and in Malaysia, progress in corporate governance and transparency in limited.
 
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Metadata
Title
Real options and MNE strategies in Asia Pacific
Authors
Tony W. Tong
Jing Li
Publication date
01-03-2008
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Asia Pacific Journal of Management / Issue 1/2008
Print ISSN: 0217-4561
Electronic ISSN: 1572-9958
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-007-9066-z

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