Ownership Structure and Productivity of Multinationals

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of International Economics
Year: 2019
Volume: 116
Issue: C
Pages: 125-143

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We examine the ownership structure and productivity of multinational affiliates and their effects on domestic industry. We first separate plant-level efficiency into a physical productivity and a price component. Multinationals target plants with high prices and markups. Upon acquisition they raise physical productivity but lower prices, leaving markups unchanged, especially when they are majority owners. This pro-competitive effect means that multinationals' productivity effects may be previously under-estimated. Multinational presence in an industry increases physical productivity while lowering prices at domestic firms, especially when majority-owned affiliates are present. Ownership structure and foreign acquisitions therefore play an important role in driving aggregate productivity growth.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:inecon:v:116:y:2019:i:c:p:125-143
Journal Field
International
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-24