Dr. Tamer Cavusgil will give a seminar on the preliminary findings for a meta analysis of multinationality and firm performance. Much scholarly work has been devoted to studying the performance implications of multinationality (also referred to as international diversification). This presentation will report on a meta-analysis designed to reveal empirical generalizations from this vast body of evidence. While multinationality is found to be positively associated with overall firm performance, contextual analysis reveals even more interesting findings. Multinationality-performance relationship is found to be stronger for multinationals from European and Japanese multinationals. Firms in manufacturing industries benefit more from internationalization than firms in service industries. Bivariate results also indicate that multinationality-performance relationship is stronger for the period preceding 1980. Finally, the results indicate that multinationality positively affects performance during both the early and late stages of internationalization. Positive effects of multinationality are strongest for firms with moderate levels of internationalization.

Students from all disciplines are encouraged to submit 1-page abstracts of presentations on topics related to Latin America and the Caribbean and our conference theme. Papers on other topics related to Latin America and the Caribbean are also welcome.

The Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan focuses on global issues of interest to the mid-Michigan business community. In this role, the GB Club is dedicated to supporting global business growth of the State of Michigan and its diverse manufacturing and service organizations. The main activity of the GB Club is the luncheon speaker series.

The monthly GB Club luncheons provide outstanding speakers and relaxed networking opportunities. With extensive international experience, the speakers wrap personal insights around a practical and up-to-the-minute approach to conducting international trade. The luncheons are open to the general public. Typically, about 100 business executives, public policy makers, and academics attend each luncheon.