From Foe to Friend
基于复杂性理论，研究了跨国公司与非政府组织在社会和环境问题上从对抗到合作的演变过程，提出了通过灵活的半结构实现相互适应、联合战略响应和协调变革的框架。
The relationship between multinational corporations (MNCs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on social and environmental issues sometimes evolves from being antagonistic to cooperative. To explore how MNCs and NGOs are able to cooperate as friends rather than remain foes, this conceptual research drawing on complexity theory examines a proposed process of mutual adaptation occurring through more flexible semi-structures that support the evolution of (a) joint strategic responses enabled by future gazing, (b) communication systems that facilitate joint strategic responses, and (c) coordinated, timed-based change that supports joint strategic responses. The article provides illustrations from MNC–NGO collaborations. Conclusions are that mutual adaptation and cooperative resolutions are more likely when organizations either share these capabilities or compensate for each other’s shortcomings, and make trade-offs that align with joint strategic objectives. This article contributes to complexity theory and the NGO–MNC literature by exploring how interorganizational cooperative behavior incorporates mutual adaptation so that more sustainable practices are implemented and continuously improved upon by MNCs.