We say no to La Monroe closure! local defiance to global restructuring in a transnational company
Critical Perspectives on International Business
ISSN: 1742-2043
Article publication date: 7 February 2018
Issue publication date: 20 February 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the reaction of a local workforce to global restructuring in a transnational company (TNC), which entailed the closure of a manufacturing plant (La Monroe) in Northern Spain. The article explores the micro-political nature of the corporate decision to close the plant, the workforce reaction to relocation and the discourse legitimizing global restructuring. It also delves into the contra-hegemonic potential of labour as a main stakeholder in TNCs.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodological approach is qualitative. The article presents a theoretically informed and analytical case study based on the literature on micro-politics and power relations in TNCs. Fieldwork is based on semi-structured interviews carried out with relevant stakeholders and other external actors to the TNC.
Findings
The findings substantiate the dynamic role of micro-politics within TNCs. The article presents and discusses evidence of the formation of a broad multi-level political network of resistance to a plant closure plan.
Research limitations/implications
More case study analysis would further support the findings in the paper and provide for a comparative approach.
Originality/value
The article substantiates the dynamic role of micro-politics and power relations in the reification of social norms and discourses on production relocation. It offers an empirical appraisal of the micro-political approach to global restructuring in TNCs. The article also puts labour strategies at the forefront of the analysis in corporate relocation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research was supported by the Changing Employment Project Marie Curie Actions-Networks for Initial Training (ITN); reference number FP7-PEOPLE-2012-ITN-317321. The authors are members of the PROMEBI (Promoting Employment and Welfare in Europe) Research Group at the University of Oviedo (Ref. FC15-GRUPIN14-086). “We say no to La Monroe closure!” became the main rallying cry of the workers in assemblies and demonstrations (in Spanish original, ¡La Monroe no se Cierra!). It was also printed on demonstration banners, stickers, t-shirts and other protest apparel.
Citation
Köhler, H.-D. and González Begega, S. (2018), "We say no to
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited