Title: The changing role of the American firm in a global economy

Authors: Abbas J. Ali

Addresses: School of International Management, Eberly College of Business and Information Technology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705, USA

Abstract: The paper addresses the nature and role of US-based firms in a globalised economy. The role of the firm is examined in the context of various forms of American capitalism. The paper begins with an examination of the reason for the existence of the firm with a focus on the evolutionary aspects of business organisation and historical conditions that have led to the rise of particular market orientations. In acknowledging the evolutionary aspects of the firm, the paper underscores the fact that there are a number of factors, including the market context, which shape and determine organisational goals.

Keywords: MNCs; multinational corporations; theory of the firm; role of the firm; US economy; globalisation; capitalism; USA; United States; market orientation; organisational goals.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTGM.2009.025386

International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2009 Vol.2 No.2, pp.148 - 167

Published online: 21 May 2009 *

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