MNCs’ open international strategy–local dynamics: transfer of German “vocational education and training” to emerging economies

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to examine multinational companies’ (MNCs) international transfer strategies of German vocational education and training (VET) and examines the dynamics in the subsidiaries. Design/methodology/approach: Methodologically, the study is based on expert interviews conducted in German headquarters. To complete the picture, the study also includes insights from expert interviews in subsidiaries in Mexico, India and China. Findings: There is a mix of country-of-origin and geocentric strategic orientation. VET is “boiled down” and adapted in its contents, but headquarters and expats maintain the spirit of VET, i.e. its national agenda of technical hands-on competencies and pedagogical competencies. To achieve this MNCs introduce general guidelines. Convincing takes place by means of role models. Research limitations/implications: The effects in the emerging economies differ regionally; these regional differences are not the subject of this contribution. Practical implications: VET transfer comprises the implementation of its core spirit which produces participatory and emancipatory dynamics. Social implications: Intercultural learning has to be sensitive to such dynamics. Originality/value: The study contributes to research on international strategies of MNCs, focussing on skill development of the blue-collar study. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Keywords

Author Keywords

vocational education and training Competency International strategy Multinational company Country-of-origin Geocentric

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät der Universität zu Köln, Koln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Funding & Acknowledgements

Grant: FU 424/16-1, PI 418/5-1

The author gratefully acknowledge the support of the research project “Global strategies and local forms of technical vocational education and training in German multinational companies: A regional comparison in Emerging Economies” by the German Scientific Foundation (Grant No. FU 424/16-1 and PI 418/5-1). My gratitude goes to my co-researchers in this project, Matthias Pilz and Kristina Wiemann from business education and Judith Wiemann who worked with me on the perspective of economic geography. I thank the anonymous reviewers for their comments. I also thank Kira Gee for language editing.

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MNCs’ open international strategy–local dynamics: transfer of German “vocational education and training” to emerging economies

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