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History of Multinational Corporations

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The progression and evolution of international business has played an integral role in the overall development and progress of the world economy, culture, and politics. The multinational corporation was an essential part of this process and has roots as far back as the 15th and 16th centuries in Western Europe, specifically in the nations of England and Holland, during a period known as mercantilism. This was a time of unprecedented global exploration, colonization, and other imperialist ventures. Organizations such as the British East India Trading Company, promoted both global trade and the acquisition of natural resources, primarily for their home countries in areas including Africa, East Asia, and the Americas. Global trade was the …show more content…

The telegraph allowed information including personal contacts, trade methods, business newspapers and magazines helped spread knowledge internationally. Whereas in the early 1800s, national tariffs and barriers to trade led to undervaluing of exports on trade ships and even smuggling, by the late 1800s improve efficiencies made these actions unnecessary. For example, McKinley Act of 1890 is often credited by many as the main cause of the increase of FDI in the US. Furthermore, the 19th century saw unparalleled amount of migrations, which encouraged the transmission of new ideas, and encouraged the transfer of technology and international investments. MNCs communicated and developed a modern business culture together by the exchange of products, processes, information, and managerial techniques that were crucial to the developed of a globalized business world. The idea of a ‘free-standing company’ was also formed during this time. This is a company “that extends over borders but does not grow out of an existing home-based business operations.” These companies typically existed in tight groups, because without any real basic competencies, had to resort on the abilities of outsiders. This style of firm was common in the UK and less common in other industrialized nations, but faded away as the financial markets developed. By the 1890s to the mid-19th century the nature of international business shifted from industrial

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