The Laws of Globalization and Business Applications

This book explains not only why the world isn't flat but also the patterns that govern cross-border interactions.

Pankaj Ghemawat (Author)

9781316615027, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 31 October 2016

408 pages, 76 b/w illus. 38 tables
22.8 x 15.3 x 2 cm, 0.65 kg

'Pankaj Ghemawat makes readers think again about globalization from new, non-conventional perspectives, always based on data. In this insightful and well-researched book, he describes some key patterns in the globalization process and offers very useful strategic reflections for international companies' senior executives and policymakers on the implications of the semiglobalized world we live in.' Jordi Canals, Dean and Professor of Economics and Strategic Management, IESE Business School

The Laws of Globalization and Business Applications employs a variety of empirical methodologies to establish two broad regularities that apply to international activity at the firm, industry, and country levels - the law of semiglobalization and the law of distance - and explores some of their implications for business. Part I presents evidence in support of the law of semiglobalization at the country and the business levels historically and up to the present. Part II performs an analogous function regarding the second law of globalization, showing that the gravity models that international economists have used to analyze merchandise trade between countries also apply to other types of international interactions - and at the industry and firm levels as well. Part III applies these laws to various challenges and opportunities that distance along various dimensions presents to multinational firms. A free online appendix provides additional data, analysis, and documentation to support research applications.

Introduction
Part I. The Law of Semiglobalization: 1. Defining and measuring globalization with Steven A. Altman
2. The depth of globalization
3. Globalization in historical perspective with Geoffrey G. Jones
4. The globalization of business
Part II. The Law of Distance: 5. The breadth of globalization and distance
6. Distances at industry and company level with Steven A. Altman
7. Distance and international business research with Steven A. Altman
Part III. Business Applications: 8. Cultural distance and national cultural differences with B. Sebastian Reiche
9. Administrative distance and institutional variety with Thomas M. Hout
10. Geographic distance and regionalization with Steven A. Altman
11. Economic distance and the big shift to emerging economies with Steven A. Altman
Index.

Subject Areas: International business [KJK], Business & management [KJ], International economics [KCL], International relations [JPS]