Western Multinational Corporations in Latin America (eBook)

This book advances the debate on socio-economic development and multinational corporations (MNCs). It provides an actor-centered perspective and develops the framework called 'Conflating Capitalisms' that allows for a better understanding of both MNC-induced institutional change in the host country and the subsequent impact on local development.

The book uses the empirical case of Western MNCs in Latin America. It applies a sequential mixed-method design, including a large-scale elite survey on corporate behavior and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with local decision-makers on the institutionalization of German dual vocational training (DVT) in Brazil.
The book presents strong evidence for both behavioral contradiction in the host country - with MNCs showing alien-to-the-system behavior - and subsequent actor-induced institutional change, with varied developmental impact. Additionally, the book offers novel insights into MNCs' handling of missing complementary institutions and the institutionalization process of coordinated practices in Latin America.

This book appeals to scholars, students, and practitioners who are interested in advancing the field of development and MNCs.

Moritz Kappler is a senior researcher with the European Union's Horizon 2020 TiGRE project and teaches political economy. He holds a Ph.D. and has international working experience as researcher and advisor in top-level institutions in Europe, Latin America, and North America. Major research interests are trust in cooperative regimes and institutional dynamics in socio-economic organization and their impact on development.