Exploring the role of institutions in Chinese OFDI: a systematic review and integrative framework

Abstract

Chinese multinational corporations’ (CMNCs) international business activity has grown rapidly in recent years. Existing literature explores the ways in which institutional factors shape Chinese firms’ outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). However, this phenomenon lacks cumulative empirical inquiry. Accordingly, we review 87 articles published in 37 peer-reviewed journals across diverse fields to synthesize the various research perspectives into an integrative framework and suggest future research directions. This study contributes to the international business literature, particularly for the Asia Pacific region, by consolidating scholarly work on institutions, tax havens, government, ownership and resulting internationalization strategies to unbundle how CMNCs create their identity.