Why locate manufacturing in a high‐cost country? A case study of 35 production location decisions
通过分析35个最终装配选址案例，从战略和经济政策角度探讨企业为何选择在高人均GDP国家设厂，并运用组织设计理论中的形式化、专一性和耦合性概念，揭示生产与市场、供应链、产品开发之间的关键联系。
Abstract In this paper, we examine in detail 35 final assembly location decisions to gain understanding of the manufacturing location decision from strategy and economic policy perspectives. We are particularly interested in the decision to locate final assembly specifically in a high‐cost (high GDP per capita) environment. In contrast with the earlier literature, we focus not just on manufacturing activities themselves, but also the key linkages between production, market, supply chain, and product development. These linkages are examined using three key concepts from theories of organization design: formalization, specificity, and coupling. Using these concepts, an analysis of the micro‐structure of each case reveals important commonalities that inform our understanding of location decisions. We conclude by discussing the policy implications of our findings.