Part I The Conceptual Framework, 1 Getting to Know Multinational Enterprises

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are perhaps the most talked about forms of business association in the contemporary ‘globalizing’ world and economy.1 It is often said that the major MNEs have a turnover larger than many nation states, that they are powerful enough to set their own rules and to sidestep national regulation. They appear to be a power unto themselves.2 This is by no means a new concern. Similar worries have been expressed at various points in modern history. The current debate has echoes in the past. It is possible to say that the origins of...