Intermediate Units in Multinational Corporations: Advancing Theory on their Co‐parenting Role, Dynamics and Outcomes
通过系统回顾1996至2020年间68篇研究，构建了以中间单元为焦点的概念框架，解释其创建动因、角色动态及结果，并提出中间单元与总部共同承担养育功能的观点。
Abstract Due to the dispersion of headquarters’ activities across organizational and geographical boundaries, intermediate units (IUs) are emerging as a key actor in international business. These units are intermediate structural layers between headquarters (HQ) and local subsidiaries with specific HQ responsibilities. Through a systematic review of 68 studies published between 1996 and 2020, we develop a conceptual framework that integrates complementary streams of theoretical and empirical research with IUs as the focal unit of analysis. Our aims are to disentangle how the main theories in this field address the antecedents of IU creation, and explain the dynamism in the roles and functions of IUs and their outcomes. We also propose a conceptualization of IUs as co‐parents in a dynamic system in which parenting functions are shared by IUs and headquarters. Finally, we highlight avenues for future research, emphasizing opportunities to advance the understanding of IUs using different theoretical lenses that may help scholars position their work within the broader stream of literature.